Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a key protein that prevents snails from shedding parasites, reducing the risk of infection. The study's findings suggest that introducing this protein into populations of snail hosts could create more resistant snails, providing a new approach to controlling schistosomiasis.
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have discovered how a promising malarial vaccine target, RH5, helps parasites invade human red blood cells. The study reveals that P113 anchors RH5 and provides a molecular bridge between the parasite and red blood cell, making it an attractive new target for malaria vaccines.
Researchers discovered that malaria parasites produce HMBPP, which stimulates red blood cells to release carbon dioxide and volatile compounds attracting malaria mosquitoes. The parasite uses this system to transfer from one host to another, making it harder to control the spread of malaria.
A new substance, SC83288, has been successfully used to treat severe malaria in humanised mice, killing the parasites in a short period of time. The substance was chemically modified from benzamidine derivatives to increase its effectiveness and tolerability without forfeiting its action against parasites.
A set of genes from the pir gene family is responsible for malaria parasites' ability to persist in the body. The expression of these genes is linked to chronic infection, which can lead to ongoing transmission of the disease.
A lineage of multidrug-resistant P. falciparum malaria parasites has spread across Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, causing high treatment failure rates for main malaria medicines. The emergence of these superbugs poses a significant threat to global malaria control and eradication efforts.
The genomes of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale parasites have been sequenced, revealing genes that could be involved in human infection and immune evasion. These findings may lead to the development of improved diagnostic tools and vaccines against these less common but still deadly malaria species.
A new study suggests that mosquitoes carrying a greater number of malaria-causing parasites are more likely to cause infection in humans. The researchers found that injecting more parasites with each bite increases the chances of malaria transmission.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that the number of parasites in mosquitoes influences malaria infection success rates. This discovery has implications for vaccine development and understanding disease transmission.
A clinical trial with human volunteers has found a next-generation malaria vaccine to be well-tolerated and stimulate an appropriate immune response. The vaccine uses genetically attenuated parasites that are incapable of multiplying in the human liver but effectively stimulate the immune system.
A hormone-disrupting compound could provide a new strategy for controlling the spread of malaria by preventing transmission of malaria parasites in female mosquitoes. The study found that DBH-treated mosquitoes were less likely to be infected and produced fewer eggs, making it an effective alternative to insecticides.
Researchers have identified four new species of parasites infecting an invasive freshwater fish in Japan. The discovery sheds light on the role of parasites in natural ecosystems and their potential impact on native species.
Biochemists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered indolepyruvate, a metabolic by-product of trypanosome activity, which may offer possibilities for developing anti-trypanosome drugs. Inhibiting its production could be key in fighting the parasite, which causes sleeping sickness and kills millions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientists found that dung beetles can reduce the survival of parasites in cowpats, which cause serious illness in cattle. The study suggested that dung beetle activity helps ventilate cow pats, creating conditions for parasite egg hatching.
Portland State University has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a new method for stabilizing stool samples. This technology could improve diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites in developing countries.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that dietary composition affects DNA sequences in parasites, revealing a previously hidden relationship between cellular metabolism and evolution. The study also shows that it is possible to predict diets based on genetic analysis.
Researchers found that some mutations enabling chloroquine resistance in malaria parasites also enhance their growth rates, contradicting previous findings. These mutations impact metabolic pathways and digestive processes, contributing to multidrug resistance phenotypes.
Scientists from Granada and Valencia universities developed a new molecular method to detect Toxoplasma gondii in ham, finding the parasite's prevalence varied between 0% and 32.35%, with some samples being infective. The study suggests freezing ham before curing can eliminate the parasite faster.
Scientists have identified two genetic markers associated with piperaquine resistance in malaria parasites, allowing for early detection and alternative treatment options. The markers are linked to increased production of plasmepsin enzymes, which the parasite uses to digest human blood.
Scientists discovered genetic markers linked with piperaquine resistance in Plasmodium parasites, allowing health officials to monitor the spread of resistance and guide treatment decisions. The emergence of piperaquine resistance in Cambodia threatens global efforts to eliminate malaria.
Researchers at Kansas State University have designed a soybean variety that protects against nematode parasites, which are the No. 1 soybean disease in the nation. The new variety could potentially save the soybean industry millions of dollars per year by controlling nematodes and their reproduction cycles.
Scientists are exploring the relationship between genome architecture and antigen variation in pathogens like Trypanosoma brucei. By analyzing the parasite's genomic structure, researchers aim to better understand how these pathogens evade the immune system and develop more effective vaccines.
Researchers found that bird habitat and parasite interactions significantly impact malaria infection risk, with co-infections occurring in 36% of infected birds. The study advances understanding of parasitic disease in both humans and wildlife.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that people infected with Ebola virus were 20% more likely to survive if they were co-infected with malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. The survival difference was evident even after controlling for Ebola viral load and age.
Scientists have identified a single compound that can kill parasites responsible for three neglected diseases: Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and sleeping sickness. The new study suggests a single class of drugs could be used to treat all three diseases.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the parasites that cause Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis, three neglected diseases affecting 20 million people worldwide. A new chemical has been developed to kill these parasites, offering hope for effective treatments.
A study found that plant sugars affect mosquito susceptibility to malaria parasites, with certain plants increasing transmission rates. The researchers used an epidemiological model to predict the relative contribution of different plants to malaria transmission dynamics.
Researchers from around the world collaborated on an open-source drug-discovery project, identifying compounds to treat malaria, other parasites, and even cancer. The successful trial has sparked over a dozen new drug-development projects, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Researchers discovered that metacyclic trypanosomes are highly infectious and can colonize the skin of mice, leading to systemic infection. A subpopulation of parasites stays in the skin for at least 7 days, multiplying and interacting with local fat cells and collagen fibers.
A University of Toronto study found that high ocean temperatures and uncoordinated treatment likely led to an outbreak of sea lice in BC salmon farms. The study revealed that the spread of sea lice to migrating juvenile wild salmon resulted in the highest numbers of sea lice observed on wild salmon in a decade.
Research in mice shows that one type of malaria parasite helps another thrive by exploiting resources, leading to worse health risks. The finding explains why co-infections with two types of malaria parasites often have more severe outcomes than single infections.
A new PCR multiplex method makes lab testing more effective for diagnosing persistent diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine treatment, as antimicrobial therapy can be useful but only for those who test negative for a pathogen.
Researchers tested two portable handheld microscopes and found they could rule in infections, but the CellScope missed low-burden infections. The devices were effective in rural settings after minimal training of community laboratory technicians.
Researchers have performed the first large-scale genomic analysis of P. vivax malaria infections, revealing patterns of variation that result from ancient events and recent selection. The study provides valuable information on parasite diversity within individuals and globally, which is essential for understanding how malaria is transm...
A global study has identified four genetically distinct populations of Plasmodium vivax, the parasite responsible for debilitating forms of malaria. The findings provide insights into the movement and adaptation of P. vivax over time, suggesting regional variations in mosquito transmission and human infection.
Researchers developed stealth nanocapsules that cure more than half of infected mice with Chagas disease, outperforming conventional nanocapsules. The new delivery system is simple to produce and can be taken orally, making it a practical solution for treating the disease in less developed countries.
Researchers aim to identify genes involved in PZQ resistance, enabling development of simple molecular tests to monitor resistance and provide early warning of drug resistance emergence. The study will focus on precise genes and mutations in laboratory genetic crosses and then expand to field researchers in Uganda and Kenya.
Researchers discover potent activity of oxaboroles against malaria parasites, highlighting a promising new class of antimalarial drugs. The compounds target the LeuRS enzyme, which is essential for protein synthesis, making them a potential cure for malaria with minimal resistance risk.
Researchers from Tomsk State University have discovered that bats can act as transmitters of infections, including those caused by bacteria and nematodes. The study found gamasid mites in bat samples, which are common among rodents, indicating close contact between the two species.
Researchers discovered that new malaria drugs promote premature parasite division by increasing sodium ion concentration, altering membrane composition and killing the parasite. The study found that these changes occur without replicating the parasite's genome, indicating a potential new mechanism of action for antimalarial drugs.
Researchers found that host birds only tolerate brood parasite eggs when threatened with retaliation by the parasitic birds. This 'mafia hypothesis' explains why some hosts accept parasitic eggs despite the risk of losing their own young.
Entomologists have described a traumatic insemination process in which male twisted-winged parasites inject semen directly into the female's body cavity. The fertilization process is unusually prolonged, lasting up to 30 minutes, and is likely used to reduce sperm competition.
Researchers found high levels of varroa mites and fungal parasites, with severe correlations to viral diseases like Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus. The study provides crucial baseline data for tracking future trends in honey bee health.
A new type of transposable element was discovered in certain bird genomes, which also occurred in nematode worms that are human parasites. The finding reveals that these modern human parasite species were birds from 25-17 million years ago.
Researchers developed a technique to reduce infectious malaria parasites in whole blood, significantly reducing the risk of transmission through blood transfusion. The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system has shown promising results in treating whole blood using ultraviolet light energy and riboflavin.
A new study reveals that a genetic mutation protecting malaria parasites against a key anti-malarial drug eventually kills them by stopping energy production. This discovery could improve malaria treatment and prevent mass drug resistance from spreading.
A new study found that parasites resistant to atovaqueone cannot pass this resistance on to their offspring, due to developmental defects and impaired reproduction. The research suggests that these mutations severely impair the parasite's lifecycle in mosquito hosts, preventing transmission.
A recent study found that six commonly used insecticides kill amphibian parasites, potentially decreasing the number of parasites an amphibian must defend against. The study also showed population-specific differences in pesticide resistance, highlighting the importance of considering multiple populations when assessing toxicity.
A Field Museum study identifies malaria's evolutionary history in bird hosts, revealing its spread to bats and other mammals. The analysis sheds light on the connection between animals and their parasites, providing insights into the natural environments we share with animals and plants.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute scientists discovered that the insertion of just two DNA bases into a gene helps the parasite overcome antimonial drug treatment. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that the genetic landscape of L. donovani offers new insights into its evolutionary history and ability to develop drug resistance.
A new study found that doses of deltamethrin can interfere with the development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes, reducing transmission. Insecticide-treated nets remain a vital tool in preventing malaria, even in areas with resistant mosquito populations.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that nitric oxide plays a protective role in the blood-brain barrier, reducing parasite invasion and inflammation. The researchers discovered that NO inhibits inflammatory molecules, such as TNF and MMP-9, which can lead to BBB damage.
Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.
The study reveals that Schistosoma mansoni, a blood fluke infecting over 250 million people worldwide, originated in East Africa and was transported by slave traders to the Caribbean. Genomic comparison with a closely related species identifies key genetic variations enabling the parasite to infect humans.
Researchers found that climate change increases soil-transmitted parasites in pastures, leading to increased infection risk. The study also showed that host immune response affects the severity of infection, with older individuals carrying more severe infections when immune response is ineffective.
Scientists have developed a new drug targeting the malaria parasite's proteasome, which could combat the growing resistance to first-defence treatments. The innovative approach has shown promising results in killing resistant parasites and may complement existing artemisinin drugs.
Researchers found that Viking populations' genes developed protection from intestinal parasites, which can lead to emphysema in smokers. The inherited trait was previously unknown.
Scientists at the universities of Bonn and Leipzig found a way to break through insect shells using enzyme chitinase 2 and growth factor idgf6. This discovery offers new starting points for controlling agricultural parasites and disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes that spread Zika virus.
GW University's Paul Brindley and MIT's Kevin Esvelt are working on a gene drive project to eliminate schistosomiasis using CRISPR technology. The goal is to 'supercharge' evolution, sterilizing and eliminating the disease-causing parasites.
Researchers used whole-transcriptome sequencing to screen for blood-borne diseases in wild lemurs and found several strains of parasites similar to those causing Lyme disease. The approach could pave the way for earlier detection of future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases that move between animals and people.