Vital intertwining
A study on a blood parasite's genome has led to the development of a new material with unusual properties. The material combines toughness and softness, characteristics that are typically not found in the same substance.
Leishmaniasis
Articles tagged with Leishmaniasis
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Cracking leishmaniasis: new DNA test to track infection
A new study introduces a high-resolution melting PCR-based technique to track leishmaniasis, identifying sand fly species and detecting Leishmania parasites from a single sample. The approach reveals complex transmission patterns and ecological zones, enabling earlier intervention and targeted control strategies.
A promising treatment for leishmaniasis found in Okinawan marine sponges
Researchers discovered onnamides, a family of compounds from Okinawan marine sponges, showing remarkable potential against Leishmania major. These compounds demonstrate potency and safety exceeding current treatments, offering new approaches to overcome drug resistance.
Unravelling antileishmanial mechanisms of phytochemicals: From mitochondrial disruption to immunomodulation
Phytochemicals have shown promising effects against leishmaniasis, disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing apoptosis in Leishmania parasites. The study highlights the potential of these compounds to modulate host immune responses and target parasite enzymes.
Researchers discover way to predict treatment success for parasitic skin disease
Researchers at the University of Maryland discovered a way to predict treatment success for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a devastating skin infection. By analyzing a patient's immune system, they identified a distinctive pattern that distinguishes responders from non-responders, with 90% accuracy.
Compound derived from Brazilian plant exhibits action against parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis
Researchers have synthesized a molecule inspired by Nectandra leucantha and found it to be four times more potent than the prototype, killing Leishmania infantum selectively. The compound's bioavailability was improved, allowing it to circulate in the rat's organism for longer periods.
Research points the way to lifesaving antiparasitic drugs while unlocking a scientific mystery
Researchers have identified a new pathway for ergosterol biosynthesis in Leishmania parasites, paving the way for more effective antiparasitic drugs. The discovery reveals that azole antifungals targeting a specific enzyme can be highly effective against leishmaniasis.
Brazilian study identifies potential targets for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
Researchers have characterized a novel class of proteins in the parasite Leishmania infantum involved in regulating its cell cycle, which could lead to the development of more effective drugs against visceral leishmaniasis. The discovery highlights six F-box proteins essential for L. infantum growth and development, providing potential...
Resistance to the main drugs used in Brazil against Leishmania is found in parasite infecting cutaneous leishmaniasis patient
Researchers found a Leishmania amazonensis strain resistant to amphotericin B, a widely used treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The study highlights the urgent need for alternative drugs to combat the disease, which affects over 15,000 people in Brazil annually.
York researchers make breakthrough in bid to develop vaccines and drugs for neglected tropical disease
A team of researchers from the University of York and Hull York Medical School has developed a new, safe and effective way to infect volunteers with the parasite that causes leishmaniasis, allowing for the testing of vaccines and preventative measures.
Hope for a cure for visceral leishmaniasis, an often fatal infectious disease
A study led by INRS research team may lead to a new therapeutic approach for the most serious form of leishmaniasis. Researchers discovered a unique CD4 T cell population that increases in number during the chronic phase and has properties similar to progenitor cells, allowing it to regenerate or differentiate into effector cells.
Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel technique using lipid nanoparticles to administer lupeol, killing Leishmania protozoan parasites. The therapy eliminated parasites from organs in animal tests, reducing spleen and liver parasite numbers by 99.9% with minimal side effects.
Harnessing the power of a parasite that can stop pain
Researchers analyzed leishmaniasis lesions on mouse skin to detect metabolic signaling pathways that differed from uninfected mice. They found pathways with pain-relief properties tied to the brain's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a host of physiological processes, including the pain response.
New study provides ‘genetic fingerprint’ indicating disease spread by sand flies may be gaining firm foothold in the United States
A new study reveals a distinct genetic fingerprint of Leishmania mexicana in non-traveler patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, suggesting locally acquired cases are on the rise. The CDC warns that domestic sand flies may acquire a deadly form of visceral leishmaniasis via imported dogs.
A lethal parasite’s secret weapon: Infecting non-immune cells
Researchers discovered Leishmania parasites in blood-related stem cells of chronically infected mice, challenging the textbook understanding of the disease. The finding may lead to new treatment options and improve our understanding of why some people develop visceral leishmaniasis despite having immune disorders.
Digging deeper into how vaccines work against parasitic disease
Scientists have established the effectiveness of vaccines against leishmaniasis in animal studies, revealing specific molecular-level changes in host cells. The vaccines, created using mutated parasites, prompt distinct immune responses in hosts, offering new insights into their mechanisms and potential applications.
Co-infection by novel species of parasite is confirmed in visceral leishmaniasis patient
A child patient was co-infected with Leishmania infantum and an unnamed Crithidia parasite species, revealing a rare case of non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis. Genome sequencing confirmed the presence of both parasites, sparking new research questions on disease transmission and host susceptibility.
UCalgary study provides insight into how an infectious parasite uses immune cells as a Trojan Horse
Researchers at UCalgary have found that Leishmania parasites exploit immune cells by targeting receptors to gain access and resist elimination, leading to stalled apoptosis and hindered vaccination efforts.
TTUHSC-TTU research collaboration leads to possible drug targets for Leishmaniasis
The study found that drug-resistant Leishmania parasites have distinct protein production profiles compared to sensitive parasites, suggesting a global reprogramming of protein synthesis. This pre-emptive adaptation enables the parasite to quickly respond to the presence of the drug and survive when it is absent.
Leishmania parasite manipulates organism’s defense system to continue replicating, study shows
Researchers at USP in Brazil discovered that Leishmania parasites manipulate the protein gasdermin-D to prevent the immune system from killing them. This allows the parasite to continue replicating and causing disease. The findings offer hope for developing novel treatments for leishmaniasis, a disease affecting 30,000 people annually.
Better, shorter combination treatment for people with visceral leishmaniasis shown to be effective in Eastern Africa
A new, shorter combination treatment has been shown to be effective in treating visceral leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa. The treatment, which combines miltefosine and paromomycin, is safer and reduces hospitalization time by 18%, eliminating the need for painful daily injections.
Experts warn about the need for seeking novel treatments for parasitic worm diseases
Despite advances in biology and medicinal chemistry, research on schistosomiasis and other parasitic worm diseases remains at an early stage. Novel molecular targets and parasite signaling pathways may contribute to the development of new treatments.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids will bring together experts from different fields to discuss the fight against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Researchers will share state-of-the-art science and results of new research on epigenetics, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
Traditional medicinal plant relieves malaria symptoms
Researchers from Ethiopia and Germany identified a traditional African medicinal plant that alleviates malaria symptoms in infected mice. The plant extract's active compound, anemonin, shows promise in treating the disease.
Curcumin associated with photodynamic therapy proves effective against leishmaniasis parasite
A study conducted at a Brazilian university found that treatment with curcumin and light reduces parasite load and eliminates Leishmania parasites completely. Curcumin showed good distribution in macrophages and reduced amastigotes' viability, changing their mitochondrial activity.
The scale of the problem of VL in pregnancy is underestimated
Limited evidence on VL treatment during pregnancy highlights liposomal amphotericin B as a safer choice. Existing therapeutic guidelines are based on limited data and often rely on personal experience.
Trial shows York leishmaniasis vaccine safe and induces immune responses in patients
A new vaccine for leishmaniasis has demonstrated safety and induced immune responses in patients with the disease. The vaccine, called ChAd63-KH, is being tested to determine its potential as a therapy for different forms of leishmaniasis.
Arsenal used by parasite to affect cellular defense and enhance leishmaniasis is revealed
Researchers discovered the Leishmania parasite's arsenal to affect cellular defense and enhance leishmaniasis, using autophagy to block caspase-11. The findings shed light on a key mechanism involved in other diseases and may lead to novel treatments for leishmaniasis.
£2.3 million grant to uncover more about tropical diseases affecting world's poorest populations
A £2.3 million project will study the Leishmania parasite, which causes leishmaniasis and affects some of the world's poorest communities. The research aims to understand how humans are infected and how the disease spreads, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
Scientists reach new milestone in vaccine development for leishmaniasis
Researchers have identified and characterised a new strain of Leishmania parasite to form the basis of a controlled human infection model. The study aims to accelerate vaccine development for this life-threatening disease, which causes slow-to-heal skin ulcers and has no current vaccines or effective treatments.
Peptides+antibiotic combination may result in a more effective treatment for leishmaniasis
Scientists have developed a new cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated antibiotic that shows promising results in treating Leishmania parasites. The treatment is highly effective, requires fewer oral doses, and is non-toxic to mammal cells.
A study investigating genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to leishmaniasis
Researchers identified 497 genes expressed in resistant mice and 22 genes in susceptible mice, showing the development of disease depends on host genetics. The study aims to develop biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis.
Researchers investigate factors influencing visceral leishmaniasis death
A study found that premature deaths from visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were faster in urban areas and among younger patients, while those with HIV had slower survival times. The median time between symptom onset and death was around 9 days, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
How sand fly mating habits are helping tackle tropical disease in £2.5 million project
A £2.5 million project is helping scientists develop a new method to catch female sand flies carrying the Leishmaniasis parasite, reducing infection incidence by 50% in dogs. The lure-and-kill method uses male pheromones to attract females towards insecticide-treated areas.
How sand fly mating habits are helping tackle tropical disease in £2.5 million project
A £2.5M project is developing a less costly method to trap large amounts of sand flies, reducing the number of infected dogs and subsequent human cases of Leishmaniasis. The synthetic male pheromone lure-and-kill method shows promising results in reducing female sand fly abundance by 49%.
Predicting treatment outcome for leishmaniasis
Researchers identified genetic factors and parasite numbers that predict treatment success in cutaneous leishmaniasis. A small difference in parasite numbers makes a big difference in patient response.
New species of parasite is identified in fatal case of visceral leishmaniasis
Researchers identified a new species of parasite causing a disease similar to visceral leishmaniasis, resistant to current treatments. The parasite was found to infect both internal organs and skin, leading to severe symptoms and death in patients.
Emerging parasitic disease mimics the symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis in people
A new study reveals a parasitic disease that mimics visceral leishmaniasis symptoms in people, but doesn't respond to standard treatments. Researchers found the parasite was more closely related to Crithidia fasciculata, which usually infects mosquitoes.
Patients treated for visceral leishmaniasis can still transmit the disease, study shows
A study by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative found that nearly 60% of patients with PKDL passed on parasites to sandflies, which can then infect others. Early treatment of PKDL patients is crucial to prevent transmission of leishmaniasis in South Asia.
Reducing delays in identifying visceral leishmaniasis
Visceral leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand flies, can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early. Women in endemic regions face barriers to seeking care, leading to delayed treatment and increased mortality.
Topical cream found as less-toxic therapy to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis
A randomized, double-blind study conducted in Panama found that paromomycin-based topical treatments are effective in curing cutaneous leishmaniasis with an 80% cure rate. The treatment showed high efficacy in children under 12 and teens from 12-17, with cure rates of 84% and 82%, respectively.
Drug candidate for leishmaniasis
Researchers have developed a small molecule that effectively treats visceral leishmaniasis in a mouse model, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and no safety concerns. The compound targets the proteasome, a cellular recycling machine, by binding to a previously undiscovered site.
Wellcome commits £10 million to DNDi to develop new generation of oral leishmaniasis drugs
Wellcome and DNDi partner to develop novel, orally administered treatments for leishmaniasis, a devastating parasitic disease affecting one billion people worldwide. The three-year programme aims to select two new chemical entities for Phase II studies, focusing on safety, efficacy, affordability, and administration.
Combination therapy more effective in treating patients with leishmaniasis and HIV
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combination therapy is highly effective in treating patients with both HIV and visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment regimen, which combines liposomal amphotericin B with the oral drug miltefosine, resulted in a 67% cure rate after 28 days of treatment.
Natural compound 2HF treats leishmaniasis infections, study finds
Researchers have identified a natural flavonoid, 2'-Hydroxyflavanone (2HF), effective in treating Leishmania amazonensis infections. The compound showed no side effects and reduced parasite loads and lesion sizes in infected mice.
Advancement in drug therapies may provide new treatment for Cutaneous leishmaniasis
A new immunomodulatory drug, EAPB0503, shows potent in vitro activity against two strains causing cutaneous leishmaniasis. The treatment has the potential to overcome limitations of existing therapies, which include painful injections and high costs.
Treatment for canine leishmaniasis exists in Brazilian vaccine
Researchers developed a treatment for canine leishmaniasis using the LeishTec vaccine, which is already available in Brazil. The vaccine was tested on over 400 dogs and proved effective in minimizing disease symptoms.
Mobile workers in north Ethiopia vulnerable to visceral leishmaniasis transmission
Transitory populations in northern Ethiopia face increased risk of acquiring life-threatening VL infections. Research reveals obstacles to accurate diagnosis and treatment, including lack of diagnostic test kits and inconsistent use of protective measures.
The dog, when treated with insecticide, is man's best friend
Treating community dogs with systemic insecticides can significantly reduce visceral leishmaniasis transmission in Brazil. A mathematical model estimated that 70% of community dogs need to be treated with an 80% effective insecticide for six months to halve the number of cases.
Visceral leishmaniasis on the rise in Brazil, study finds
The incidence of visceral leishmaniasis increased by 52.9% in Brazil between 1990 and 2016, while the disability-adjusted life years increased by 83.6%. Regional variations were observed, with rates rising in the Northeast and Southeast but decreasing in the Northern states.
INRS takes aim at the dreaded tropical disease leishmaniasis
Researchers at INRS have developed a cost-effective approach to rapidly identify molecules capable of eliminating Leishmania, a parasite responsible for the deadly tropical disease. The innovation, led by Professors Albert Descoteaux and Steven LaPlante, aims to overcome obstacles in finding effective treatments.
How chronic infections can outsmart the immune system
Scientists found that damage from chronic inflammation induces the death of white blood cells essential to eliminating the parasite, allowing it to sustain the infection. The findings may lead to possible treatment and shed light on a phenomenon shared by other chronic infections.
Discovery of a new potential treatment for visceral leishmaniasis
A new compound with potential to treat visceral leishmaniasis has been discovered through collaboration between the University of Dundee, GSK and Wellcome. The compound works by inhibiting an enzyme called CRK12, offering a novel approach to tackling the disease.
High-containment lab raises sand flies to investigate global health issue
Sand flies infect about one million people each year with the parasite Leishmania, causing chronic disease Leishmaniasis. Researchers at University of Calgary's high-containment lab are studying transmission of the disease and immune system's response to it by raising sand flies.
Leishmaniasis strain in Iraq outbreak identified
Researchers studied Leishmania species and strains in Iraq's hot border region, finding most cases match an Iranian strain. The study highlights the need for control programs to stop the spread of leishmaniasis, a disease that infects millions worldwide.
UTEP team advances in developing vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis
A UTEP team has made significant progress in developing a human vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease affecting thousands worldwide. Their research results in a 96% decrease in lesions and an 86% protection rate from the disease in mice.
GHIT Fund accelerates promising efforts to find new treatments, vaccines and diagnostics
The GHIT Fund has announced significant investments in new treatments for malaria, including an antimalarial drug candidate DSM265 and a diagnostic tool for detecting dormant Plasmodium vivax parasites. These breakthroughs aim to combat the growing threat of artemisinin resistance and eliminate the 'hidden reservoir' of vivax malaria.
As 'flesh-eating' Leishmania come closer, a vaccine against them does, too
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an experimental vaccine against Leishmania, a parasite that can cause skin ulcers, disfigurement, and internal organ damage. The vaccine exploits a weakness in the parasite's chemical camouflage to trigger a forceful immune response.
Study tracks leishmaniasis in dogs, wild animals and sand flies in Brazil
Researchers surveyed an environmentally protected area in southeastern Brazil and found over 1% of dogs and some opossums carry the parasite responsible for deadly leishmaniasis. The study also identified six species of sand flies that can transmit the disease.
Skin plays significant role in spread of leishmaniasis
Researchers at the University of York have found that parasites responsible for leishmaniasis are mainly acquired from the skin rather than through blood transfusions. This discovery challenges current treatment methods and highlights the importance of measuring parasite levels in the skin to assess treatment success.