Dr Franklyn Egbe, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology has been awarded a Wellcome Accelerator Award to explore the use of biomarkers in blood to rapidly diagnose encephalitis and identify the cause.
Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed. It can be caused by infections or autoimmune responses. Despite advances in testing, its cause remains unknown in 39 – 60% of cases. Early and accurate diagnosis is vital for targeted treatment, saving lives and reducing neurological injury in survivors.
This award will explore the use of neuroglial injury biomarkers in blood to rapidly and accurately distinguish infectious from autoimmune encephalitis and use metagenomic deep sequencing to identify the causes of unknown infectious encephalitis.
Wellcome Accelerator Awards support researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK to undertake activities that put them in a stronger position to reach their next career stage.
Dr Egbe added: "I am delighted to be among the first recipients of this award and honoured to be hosted at University of Liverpool. The award will serve as a springboard for my transition to research independence and will accelerate my academic career.
"Early diagnosis of infectious encephalitis is challenging but vital for appropriate therapy. It is an incredible opportunity to conduct independent translational research that will, hopefully, improve the diagnosis and management of encephalitis."
Professor Benedict Michael, Director of the Brain Infection and Inflammation Group, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Franklyn has been awarded this highly competitive Wellcome Fellowship. It is testament to all his hard work since he started in the team and will be a major springboard in his career."
Saturday 22nd February is World Encephalitis Day 2025, find out more about encephalitis and how to get involved.