Articles tagged with Leishmaniasis
A new leishmaniasis vaccine, developed using CRISPR gene-editing technology, is set to begin testing in healthy people for its safety and immune response. The vaccine has shown strong results in mice and has cleared a key FDA hurdle, paving the way for Phase 2 trials aiming to understand its effectiveness.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.