A population genetics study found that parasite-driven selection has left a footprint on human DNA, particularly in immune genes. This variation correlates with parasite diversity and may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered that combining methylene blue with newer malaria medications is twice as effective in curbing the spread of malaria parasites than standard therapy. This new approach has significant implications for eradicating the disease, particularly among children under five who are m...
Lice parasites have been found to modulate the immune system of wild wood mice, suggesting a potential link between parasite exposure and reduced autoimmune disease risk. This research implies that modern humans, lacking natural parasite exposure, may develop less regulated immune systems leading to increased disease susceptibility.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed chemicals that kill the deadliest malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and those resistant to existing drugs. These compounds work by preventing an enzyme essential to the parasite's growth, resulting in its death.
Researchers studied louse infestation's effect on immune activity in wild wood mice, finding reduced readiness to mount an immune response. This suggests a potential immunosuppressive effect of the parasite, supporting the idea that modern human populations have heightened immune responsiveness due to reduced exposure to parasites.
Researchers discover that Trypanosoma brucei breaks its DNA to change its surface coat, a key strategy for avoiding immune cells. This finding suggests a common mechanism for DNA rearrangement in parasites and humans.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found a new way to combat malaria by trapping parasites inside host cells. They identified an enzyme called calpain-1, which parasites use to break out of infected cells, and developed a method to block it, leaving parasites trapped.
Research found that parasitic infection reduces immunity to future cholera infections and compromises vaccine effectiveness. Helminth-infected patients had lower IgA antibodies, indicating a weakened immune system.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes use proteins called LRIM1 and APL1C to detect and destroy malaria parasites. The study found that 80-90% of parasites are killed, but only a few manage to evade detection, allowing the disease to be transmitted to humans.
Climate change is altering malaria patterns due to daily temperature fluctuations, which can affect the incubation period of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. This can lead to changes in transmission rates, with warmer temperatures potentially increasing the risk of infection.
Researchers at UGA have discovered a protein essential for Toxoplasma gondii's growth and division. The study reveals that disrupting this protein leads to the death of the parasite, providing a new working model for understanding parasitic diseases.
Researchers at American Museum of Natural History found a close evolutionary relationship between malarial parasites in rats and humans, including Plasmodium falciparum. The study suggests that the most deadly form of malaria may have originated from rodents.
Researchers identified a key role for dendritic cells in responding to Leishmania parasites, which cause illness in developing nations and have been detected in US soldiers. The study provides insights into the early stages of the immune response and has implications for vaccine development.
Researchers have developed nematode-resistant varieties of bell peppers, such as Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder, which can be used as viable alternatives to methyl bromide for managing southern root-knot nematode. These varieties are stable in sub-tropical climates and can increase the availability of parasite-resistant vegetables.
A team of researchers has characterized a large number of parasite proteins that may prove useful in the development of a human malaria vaccine. These proteins are essential for sporozoite development, which can be genetically inactivated to stimulate an immune response.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have received a $1.5 million grant to develop novel drug targets for amebiasis and giardiasis, two serious water- and food-borne illnesses caused by microscopic parasites. The goal is to create small molecule inhibitors that target specific proteases playing a critical role in parasite lifecycle.
The genome sequence of Plasmodium knowlesi has been defined, providing new research opportunities for comparisons with P. vivax. Establishing similarities and differences between the parasites' genomes will assist in the selection of genetic targets for vaccine and drug development.
The genome of Plasmodium knowlesi, a mosquito-human malaria parasite, has been decoded, revealing unique genetic features that enable it to evade host immune systems. The study found that the parasite's genes are scattered throughout its genome, unlike other malaria parasites, and that it uses molecular mimicry to survive and propagate.
A team of researchers has developed a method to separate parasitic organisms from their host cells using fluorescent proteins, allowing for more detailed studies. The approach yielded the identification of 509 proteins in the parasites, providing valuable characteristics such as fatty acid degrading enzymes.
Researchers discovered that Leishmania major parasites exploit the body's wound-healing response to sand fly bites, evading death and establishing long-term infection. Neutrophils play a critical role in the development of the disease, allowing parasites to survive inside them before escaping into macrophages.
Researchers discovered that a parasitic plant can intercept host RNA molecules up to a foot from the point of infection, allowing it to synchronize its lifecycle with the host. This finding could lead to new ways to combat parasites that attack crop plants.
A study published in Nature shows that parasites have substantial biomass in ecosystems, sometimes exceeding that of top predators by a factor of 20. This challenges the long-held assumption that free-living organisms like fish and birds dominate biomass in habitats.
A three-year international scientific outreach program has been funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York through the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) to bring modern cell biology concepts to sub-Saharan Africa. The first stage of the program, a 'short course' on protozoan parasites, was held in Morogoro, Tanzania, and wil...
A research study found that extreme weather events can alter normal host-pathogen relationships, leading to catastrophic mortality from multiple infectious outbreaks in wildlife. Climate extremes can trigger mass die-offs of livestock and wildlife by creating a perfect storm of infectious diseases.
Researchers found a new enzyme, EhROM1, that helps the dysentery-causing amoeba evade the immune system. The enzyme is part of an ancient group of enzymes used by malaria parasites to enter host cells.
Maternal malaria researcher Professor François Nosten has won a prestigious international prize for his groundbreaking work on treating infections in pregnant women. His research has led to a revision of guidelines and improved treatment options for millions of people worldwide.
Scientists have disrupted malaria parasite transmission in animal tests by blocking potassium channels, preventing the formation of new infectious parasites. This breakthrough could pave the way for new anti-malaria treatments and counteracting the spread of the disease.
Researchers have found a way to prevent malaria parasites from becoming sexually mature, a crucial step in transmission. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this stage of the life cycle, helping to control the spread of drug resistance.
A University of South Florida study found that protein MAEBL is essential for malaria parasites to invade mosquito salivary glands, allowing transmission to humans. By silencing the receptor for MAEBL, researchers hope to block passage of the parasite through mosquitoes.
Researchers found an avian malaria parasite in a Spotted Owl from Oregon, sparking concerns about the bird's immune health and conservation status. The study highlights the need for further research into blood-borne pathogens in wild bird populations.
Researchers found that female monarchs with intermediate parasite loads were long-lived and laid many eggs, while those with light loads also thrived but had fewer infected offspring. The study provides evidence for the 'trade-off hypothesis' in a natural system.
A study by Emory University researcher Jacobus de Roode found that higher levels of replication within the host result in both increased virulence and greater transmission of parasites. This suggests that natural selection selects for harmful parasites, prioritizing their fitness over host health.
Researchers pooled data from 15 clinical trials to compare the efficacy of rectal artemisinins and conventional injectable antimalarials like quinine. Rectal artemisinins cleared malarial parasites more rapidly than quinine, suggesting they could be a lifesaving intervention in severe malaria cases.
A new model system has enabled scientists to conduct powerful genetic studies directly in the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, leading to a better understanding of its biological processes. This discovery could provide valuable leads on how to stop parasite growth and prevent diseases affecting millions of people.
Researchers are conducting trials for a new malaria vaccine using a genetically-modified chimpanzee adenovirus to stimulate an immune response. The goal is to develop a combination product targeting both liver and blood stages of the parasite to prevent infection.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a non-lethal but potentially severe disease that can be prevented with rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment. New techniques, such as the QT-NASBA technique and real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR, have been developed to detect and quantify Leishmania parasites, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that community ecology principles affect parasite species interacting within a single host, impacting treatment effectiveness. The study suggests using ecological thinking to understand and control multiple infections like malaria.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a plant herbicide that disrupts Toxoplasma gondii's signaling pathway, reducing fatal infection risk in mice. Low doses of the herbicide prevent T. gondii from increasing its numbers and remaining dormant.
Researchers genetically engineered a mosquito to release sea-cucumber protein, which impairs malaria parasite development in the insect's gut. The study shows promise for preventing transmission of malaria by disrupting parasite growth and development.
Researchers genetically engineered mosquitoes to release a sea-cucumber protein that impairs malaria parasite development, potentially preventing transmission. The study shows promising results but still requires further work before being effective in real-world scenarios.
Scientists discovered three biological classes of malaria parasites with distinct metabolic states, including one linked to patient symptoms. The findings suggest a possible correlation between parasite behavior and disease severity.
Using fewer drugs in treating malaria could help slow the spread of drug resistance, making patients just as healthy. Longer treatment periods increase resistant parasite numbers, which can lead to shorter lifespan of antimalarial drugs.
Researchers found that animals, like plants, can build tolerance to infections at a genetic level, allowing them to withstand parasite loads. This tolerance is negatively related to resistance, with animals either killing or tolerating parasites but not both.
New insights into the co-evolutionary relationship between sawflies and their parasites show that parasitism promotes ecological divergence in herbivorous insects. The study reveals a food web involving willow trees, sawflies, and parasites feeding on sawfly larvae.
A new study reveals that parasites play a pivotal role in the decline of species in fragmented forests. Red colobus monkeys were found to be infected with more human or livestock parasites than their black-and-white cousins, due to their varied diet and increased travel range.
A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals melanin's role in protecting freshwater crayfish from bacterial infections. Effective melanin production is crucial for the animals' survival against Aeromonas hydrophila.
A CU-Boulder study shows that high levels of nutrients from farming and ranching activities fuel parasite infections, causing highly publicized frog deformities. The research found that increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels stimulate algae growth, leading to sharp hikes in snail populations and infectious parasites.
A team of researchers funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has solved the complete genome of Brugia malayi, a parasite that causes elephantiasis. This breakthrough reveals dozens of potential new targets for drugs or vaccines, offering new opportunities for understanding, treating and preventing the disease.
A global team of researchers has revealed the genetic sequence of Brugia malayi, a parasitic worm that causes debilitating diseases in over 40 million people. The study identifies dozens of potential new targets for drugs or vaccines, including genes involved in molting, immune signaling, and host metabolism.
Researchers have discovered that a sugar in mosquitoes allows the malaria-causing parasite to attach itself to the gut, enabling its development and transmission. Reducing this sugar can prevent parasites from developing, offering a promising approach to blocking malaria spread.
Researchers found that the human immune system uses hemoglobin to bind to HDL and create a toxin that clears trypanosomes from the body. This discovery could lead to better treatment options for cattle infections and provide insights into understanding why some parasites don't infect humans.
The World Antimalarial Resistance Network (WARN) aims to provide a globally co-ordinated effort to tackle malaria. The network will facilitate worldwide monitoring and characterisation of drug resistance, including clinical efficacy, in vitro response, molecular markers, and pharmacological properties.
Binghamton University researchers study archived human blood samples to understand how Plasmodium falciparum evolved resistance to chloroquine. The analysis aims to provide insights for current treatments and future drug development.
A new study found that repeated ivermectin treatment selects for genetic changes in the parasite that cause river blindness, potentially leading to drug resistance. The research has implications for ongoing onchocerciasis control programs.
A study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Hector Douglas found that crested auklets use chemical anointment during courtship to protect themselves from parasites like ticks. The birds rub their wick feathers with a citrus-like scent, which repels ticks and helps keep them healthy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered why some mosquitoes are resistant to malaria, focusing on a protein called TEP1. The study found that genetic differences in TEP1 manifest in a region dubbed the 'warhead', which grabs onto malarial parasites.
Researchers found antifolate therapies, including sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and chlorproguanil-dapsone, effective in clearing P vivax parasites by day 14. The treatments were well-tolerated and may be used as an alternative to chloroquine in cases where species-specific diagnosis is unavailable.
Research reveals that parasites can significantly alter the abundance of edible algae, which is a crucial resource for various organisms. This finding suggests that non-lethal impacts of parasites can have far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.
Dutch researcher Mike van der Kolk discovered that people who are frequently infected with malaria parasites can develop immunity against the gametocyte, inhibiting the spread of the parasite. This natural immunity prevents the parasite from reproducing in mosquitoes, ultimately stopping its transmission.
Researchers have identified a novel pathway in Trypanosoma brucei parasites that can be triggered to shut down the synthesis of a crucial RNA molecule, leading to parasite death. This discovery has implications for eradicating other parasitic diseases such as Leishmania and Chagas disease.