DailyTech - California Scientist Possibly Killed by Bacteria in His Lab

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Science California Scientist Possibly Killed by Bacteria in His Lab
Tiffany Kaiser - May 4, 2012 6:44 PM

19 comment(s) - last by overlandpark4m.. on May 9 at 12:38 PM

(Source: gawkerassets.com)

It is believed that Din was killed by Neisseria meningitidis, which is a strain of bacteria that leads to meningococcal disease

A San Francisco researcher was killed by the bacteria he was working with in his laboratory last Saturday.

Richard Din, 25, was killed last weekend by a strain of meningococcal disease, which is the bacteria he was working on a vaccine for. Din was a researcher at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

While public health officials believe that Din died from exposure to the bacteria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to confirm that this is, indeed, the case. CDC will test a sample of the bacteria along with a biopsy sample from Din to see if there's a match.

"If the fingerprints match, you know it's highly likely he acquired the infection from working in the lab," said Tom Skinner, CDC spokesman in Atlanta, Georgia. "Someone getting sick and dying from the organism they're working with in the lab is exceedingly rare."

It is believed that Din was killed by Neisseria meningitidis, which is a strain of bacteria that leads to meningococcal disease. This then causes meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain.

Din as well as other researchers in the San Francisco lab have been working to create a vaccine against serogroup B. Some of Din's co-workers were given antibiotics just in case they have been exposed to the bacteria as well.

Eileen Shields, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Department of Health, said Din died from multiple organ failure, which was caused by septic shock and meningococcal infection.

Din died only one day after becoming sick. He was described as a hard-working and talented researcher by colleagues.

Source: The Guardian

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Wow

By msheredy on 5/4/2012 6:56:45 PM , Rating: 4

quote:
Din died only one day after becoming sick.

Wow, that's some scary shit right there!

RE: Wow

By Gungel on 5/4/2012 8:07:15 PM , Rating: 2

At least it's a bacteria and not a virus.

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RE: Wow

By mugiebahar on 5/4/12, Rating: -1

RE: Wow

By Schadenfroh on 5/4/12, Rating: -1

RE: Wow

By TSS on 5/5/2012 6:47:07 AM , Rating: 5

Monsanto, the discussion of when life begins, better conditions for animals being tested on and lord knows whats going to go wrong once they release a virus into the wild as a "cure".

I, for one, am glad those things have been helt back. Just because technology advances doesn't mean it will be used for the good of the people.

The "playing god" question is an ethical question, and ethics should never be ignored. Radical thinking is wrong, though that goes both ways. Simply saying something shouldn't be done because it can be abused is ignoring ethics just as much.

The trick is to use something in an ethically and morally correct way. That doesn't slow progress down. It makes sure progress is actually progress.

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RE: Wow

By MrBlastman on 5/7/2012 2:50:31 PM , Rating: 3

Ethics are being thrown out the window every day in America, in the name of "profit."

Sad, but it is true. There's nothing wrong with making a profit, none at all. There is something wrong with sacrificing ethics, character and integrity in order to do so.

As for research like this--it is needed, in the name of science and discovery. Man should use their brains in any way they can to better humanity wherever possible--so long as it isn't in the singular vision of just one person (who thussly proposes it for personal greed).

It's a shame the guy died. I have to wonder though if he was testing the vaccine on himself and it failed to work as he thought it might.

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RE: Wow

By frozentundra123456 on 5/4/2012 11:15:36 PM , Rating: 2

No offense meant, but what is the difference if it was a bacteria or a virus? It is just as much of a tragedy either way.

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RE: Wow

By idiot77 on 5/5/2012 1:10:18 AM , Rating: 4

A lot. Bacteria are usually more treatable, but in the case of meningitis bacteria are far deadlier.

The poster you're asking has no clue about that fact because he thinks viral meningitis is worse.

Here's the catch, viral meningitis usually resolves with supportive care. Bacterial has a much high mortality.

S

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RE: Wow

By geddarkstorm on 5/5/2012 2:53:51 AM , Rating: 2

And viral meningitis usually takes a week before it can kill someone, while bacterial meningitis kills you in 24 hours or less from the point where you show noticeable symptoms, as we see in this case.

Bacterial meningitis is scary, scary stuff. Get a headache and stiff neck, lay down, and boom you're dead before anyone has a chance to think about it.

Horrible tragedy... hopefully their lab is successful in the end in generating this vaccine.

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Rest in Peace

By Lorfa on 5/4/2012 9:53:14 PM , Rating: 5

Much respect to Mr. Din, and all others who have died in a noble pursuit of science to save the lives of others.

I Am Legend...

By Arsynic on 5/7/2012 9:17:29 AM , Rating: 2

Here we go!

If he raises from the dead and starts trying to eat brains, we'll know!

There's a cure for this

By Sylar on 5/7/2012 10:33:35 AM , Rating: 2

I'm already stocking up on my supply of Forsythia before this becomes an outbreak. Get yours before it's too late.

What if..

By tamalero on 5/7/2012 12:31:38 PM , Rating: 2

What if he actually pulled a darwin Award?

Ie, he was very sure the Vaccine would work.. and he tried it on himself? D:

Only 25...

By overlandpark4me on 5/9/2012 12:38:48 PM , Rating: 2

Condolences to his family.

Zombie Apocalypse Has Begun!!!!

By Spookster on 5/5/2012 6:24:12 PM , Rating: 1

The Zombie Apocalypse has begun. Run for your lives!!!!

Bacteria discovery could lead to antibiotics alternatives

By sirah on 5/6/2012 4:21:22 PM , Rating: 1

The bacteria produces a number of chemicals that allowed to invade a host and to establish an infection. The chemicals produced depend upon many factors, such as the species of bacteria, the type of host, and also whether the infection grows inside or outside a cell. An essential step for the growth of Listeria, and thus the infection, is the bacteria's ability to move from within one compartment in a cell to another. http://bit.ly/KBhPKt

2012

By Jedi2155 on 5/5/12, Rating: -1

RE: 2012

By terabaSe on 5/6/2012 4:20:30 AM , Rating: 2

Hmmm, so in the USA this makes it 12/21/2012 (assuming Gregorian). Or maybe you prefer the Julien (11/29/2012) or Hebrew (09/28/5773) or Islamic (02/06/1434)?

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