Shropshire mum's first in Europe to have vaccine against life-threatening infant bacterial infection in trial
Menna Hulme was recruited into a world-first clinical trial which could prevent infant deaths and stillbirths from Group B Streptococcus
A Shropshire mum has become the first in Europe to take part in a world-first clinical trial which could prevent infant deaths and stillbirths from a life-threatening bacterial infection.
Menna Hulme, 31, was given a vaccination against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) whilst pregnant after being recruited into the BEATRIX study at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
She had the infection during her first two pregnancies, and was treated with IV antibiotics during labour.
She said it was "daunting" not knowing anything about the disease before hand and hopes her participation in the trial could help save baby's lives.
She said: “ I’m chuffed to be the first European participant. Other ladies have enrolled locally now too and I would hope others will, because it’s really important and would be massively beneficial to develop this vaccine.
“I just wish ladies in general could have more faith in vaccines and the advice from healthcare professionals and that the uptake was better.
“I was fortunate that Group B Strep was picked up early in both my previous pregnancies, so I have a good experience understanding of the limitations.
"I was on antibiotics, which reduces your birth choices and it’s costly, along with the cost to the NHS as well.
“It’s also about creating awareness because I have an older sister and she was unaware of the trial until I told her about it.”
After taking part in the trial and having the vaccine during her third pregnancy, Menna gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Cheri, who joins brothers Seth, aged 5, and 21-month-old Vince.
She praised the team at the hospital for "answering every question possible" and reassuring her through every step of the process.
"I really do hope the vaccine does get approved and rolled out and lives can be saved," she said.
"That would be fantastic."
GBS kills around one baby every year in UK
GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, causing sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. It can kill a newborns within hours if untreated, the NHS said.
It kills 50 babies a year in the UK - just under one every week - whilst causing a further 70 babies to survive with long-term disabilities.
The BEATRIX study is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Research Delivery Network (RDN) and sponsored by Pfizer.
The vaccine works by stimulating the mother’s antibodies, which are transferred to the foetus via the placenta, which protect the infant against GBS disease, such as sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis in the first three months of life.
Estimates suggest 70 per cent coverage could avoid more than 50,000 GBS-related deaths and 170,000 pre-term births annually worldwide.
Professor Will Parry-Smith, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Principal Investigator in the BEATRIX study at study host organisation Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), said: “Group B Streptococcus can cause serious illness in newborn babies, yet there is currently no licensed vaccine available to help prevent these infections.
“The BEATRIX study is evaluating an investigational maternal vaccine and aims to expand our understanding of maternal immunisation against GBS.
“Research such as this is important in helping build the evidence needed to address a significant unmet public health need.”
Menna is encouraging other pregnant women in Shropshire to consider taking part to help aid research that could potential save lives all over the world.