Articles tagged with Tropical Diseases
Scientists have added millions of protein complex structures to the AlphaFold Database, shedding light on how proteins interact. The dataset prioritizes human health and disease research, enabling researchers to test, refine, and build upon it.
A recent study found that chikungunya can spread in temperatures as low as 13 degrees Celsius, posing a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought. The Asian tiger mosquito is expanding northwards through the continent, and warming temperatures may lead to local outbreaks in the UK.
The VALIDATE Network has achieved significant milestones in global collaboration for vaccine research, with over £3.5M in grants and £25.5M in follow-on funding secured. The network has supported over 86 novel publications and delivered online seminars and workshops to more than 3,400 attendees.
Researchers at Tulane University have developed the first vaccine able to protect nonhuman primates from melioidosis, a long-neglected and deadly tropical disease on the rise. The vaccine uses outer membrane vesicles to trigger a powerful immune response.
A reduced pledge by Canada to the Global Fund could lead to decreased success in controlling tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in the country. The authors of an editorial urge Canada's government to invest in improving social determinants of health and implement disease-specific suggestions to address these pressing global health issues.
A study of 3,752 health professionals and researchers from 151 countries finds climate change is combining with poverty and drug resistance to create a major health crisis. The top threats include vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, which are expected to surge without urgent global action.
The new book provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal chemistry and target-based drug design for diseases such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, malaria, and others. It highlights emerging therapeutic compounds and the integration of synthetic and computational approaches to drug discovery.
The Phase 3 study demonstrated the safety and non-inferiority of EuTYPH-C Inj.® Multi-dose compared to a World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified comparator TCV, Typbar TCV®. The vaccine was shown to be well-tolerated across all age groups with no serious adverse events.
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 clinical trial found that ivermectin can be safely given to young children weighing as little as 5 kilograms, challenging existing manufacturer restrictions. The study's results could spur progress against diseases like intestinal worms, scabies, and river blindness.
A new broad-spectrum antivenom developed by DTU researchers covers 17 African snake species and provides better protection against tissue damage, with a lower risk of immune reactions. The antivenom has shown impressive results in laboratory studies and could revolutionize the treatment of venomous snakebites in Africa.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
A novel disease prevention strategy targeting the Aedes mosquito species has been shown to reduce mosquito numbers by 60% and cases of dengue fever by 24% in a community. The study, conducted in Merida, Mexico, tested an intervention that used targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide before outbreaks occur.
Yale researchers have developed a novel diagnostic method for detecting leptospiral virulence-modifying proteins in blood and urine, which could lead to early diagnosis and improved treatment options. The test has the potential to transform leptospirosis management globally by enabling timely treatments and mitigating disease severity.
Despite an increase in US cases, worry about West Nile virus remains low, with only 15% of respondents concerned about contracting the disease. The vast majority know the best defense is preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes around their homes.
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.
A new study predicts significant increase in mosquito-borne disease risk in Brazil by 2080, with higher temperatures and changing rainfall patterns contributing to the issue. Climate action could help mitigate this risk, reducing future disease outbreaks.
A new species of bacteria of the genus Bartonella has been found in the Amazon National Park, Brazil. The DNA is similar to that of two other Andean species, B. bacilliformis and B. ancashensis, which cause Carrión's disease. No evidence suggests this new species can cause disease, but further studies are needed.
A new class of insecticide, called spatial emanators, provides protection for up to a year against mosquitoes that spread malaria, as well as dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika. The breakthrough offers lasting protection in areas where malaria is prevalent and can be used day and night without heating or electricity.
A new Zika virus vaccine developed by Brazilian researchers has been shown to be safe and effective in tests with mice, inducing an immune response and protecting against brain and testicular damage. The vaccine uses a technology known as 'virus-like particles' (VLPs) without genetic material from the pathogen.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combining country-level information with individual-level variables can improve the identification of soil-transmitted helminth infections among migrant populations. Researchers found that country-level indicators are stronger predictors than individual-level variable...
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has launched new weekly surveillance updates and public health guidance on mosquito-borne diseases, covering chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses. The reports provide a comprehensive view of the evolving situation across European countries.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a glycopolymer-functionalized gold nanoparticle test to detect Western Diamondback Rattlesnake venom. The assay uses synthetic sugars that mimic natural receptors targeted by venom proteins, offering a potential game-changer for snake envenomation diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene duplication in the fungus Madurella fahalii enables it to neutralize medication, leading to effective treatment challenges. This study highlights the potential of molecular techniques to uncover drug resistance mechanisms and pave the way for targeted therapies.
The review highlights the limitations of existing dengue vaccines, such as CYD-TDV and TAK-003, and the urgent need for more effective vaccines to protect millions of people. The Butantan-DV vaccine has shown promise with its single-dose regimen, but its efficacy against DENV-3 and DENV-4 is still unclear.
Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego discover Zika virus blocks dendritic cells' ability to alert T cells, while dengue virus stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger but uncontrolled immune response. Understanding these differences is key to developing life-saving vaccines.
Researchers have identified novel mosquito repellents with high success rates from natural sources, including food and flavoring materials. The team's machine learning-based cheminformatics approach also pinpointed pyrethroid analogs up to 100 times more effective than existing industry standards.
Three UK researchers will receive a £100,000 (US$126,000) prize at the 2025 awards, honouring their work in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences & Engineering. The winners were selected from 94 nominees representing 45 academic institutions.
Nanomaterials conjugated with drugs improve therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and enable targeted delivery for neglected tropical diseases. This approach enhances diagnosis with rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective biosensors.
A landmark study led by ISGlobal found that combining rapid diagnostic tests with conventional serology improves access to diagnosis for Chagas disease. The prevalence of Chagas is six times higher in an indigenous community in Paraguay compared to the capital.
A recent case report in Ireland shows the challenges of responding to leprosy in high-income countries where it is rare. The study recommends prioritizing education, stigma reduction, and harmonized public health guidelines for sporadic cases.
Switzerland is affected by Chagas disease, a tropical disease that can cause severe cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. The Swiss government has established the Swiss Chagas Network to address this issue through coordinated measures.
A new study examines livestock-keeping effects on mosquito population density and disease spread. Livestock can increase mosquito populations, while sentinel animals like pigs and horses can detect arboviruses.
Researchers have created a new diagnostic tool using machine learning to detect schistosomiasis, a persistent parasitic infection affecting an estimated 250 million people. The tool can identify low levels of the infection and distinguish between active and past infections, leading to earlier treatment and improved long-term outcomes.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology predicts high-risk towns across Europe for dengue fever outbreaks, with southern France and northern Italy being most affected. The research uses advanced high-resolution modeling to provide daily risk assessments for each area.
Historical records suggest that anomalous climate conditions during El Niño events contributed to the establishment and spread of new cholera strains. Climate-facilitated emergence of novel strains is projected to increase through the end of the century due to climate change-driven increases in climate variability.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the dengue virus genome's use of less efficient codons in its host's machinery to replicate and spread. This discovery has implications for developing novel antiviral treatments and vaccines, as well as understanding the relationship between viruses and their hosts.
Researchers have discovered a new source of resistance to the devastating wheat blast disease, leveraging a gene that also protects against powdery mildew. The Pm4 gene, found in European wheat varieties, confers dual protection against the pathogen and its effector molecule AVR-Rmg8.
A study in São Paulo state found that chikungunya virus circulated silently for years before causing major epidemics. The researchers monitored residents for four years and discovered a significant rise in seroprevalence from 0.35% to 2.3%. This finding underscores the need for strengthened disease surveillance.
Research in Paraguay highlights the importance of collecting better data to estimate the true burden of snakebites, which claim around 80,000-140,000 lives annually. The study found that most cases occur among men of productive age working in agricultural or livestock settings.
Mosquito-borne diseases are becoming a global phenomenon due to climate change, increasing the risk of local transmission in Europe and beyond. Researchers are developing early warning systems to combat outbreaks, which could save millions of lives.
A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.
A Brazilian study found that prior zika infection significantly increases the risk of developing severe dengue and being hospitalized. The study analyzed samples from over 1,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients and identified a higher viral load and inflammatory cytokine levels in those with prior zika infections.
The Butantan-DV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue development in 79.6% of vaccinated individuals, regardless of age group or prior exposure history. The vaccine also demonstrated safety for all participants, with mild to moderate side effects reported.
A new study finds that most people take steps to prevent snakebites, but the measures taken don't always reflect evidence-based advice. Promoting locally practical methods could save many lives, especially in rural areas where snakes are more common.
A team of animal scientists has developed a new breed of cow that can produce up to 20 times the milk of indigenous breeds, offering a potential game changer for subsistence farmers in Tanzania. The breeding process combines the heat and disease resistance of Gyrs with the milk-producing prowess of Holsteins and Jerseys.
Research identifies specific gut bacteria that increase risk of severe malaria in humans and mice, sparking new approaches targeting gut microbiota. The study's findings could lead to prevention strategies for severe malaria-related deaths.
Researchers found that infected individuals with multiple strains of the T. cruzi parasite were better able to control the disease, while those with a progressive form had fewer strains. This discovery provides a new framework for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
A new study found that snakebites resulted in the loss of 3,000 productive days of work and school, with median financial setbacks of $17 per household. The study highlights the significant disease and economic burden of snakebites in rural Mozambique.
Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases will extend the successful preprint review model of Rapid Reviews COVID-19 to new research on infectious diseases like monkeypox, dengue fever, or herpes. The journal aims to accelerate the validation and diffusion of robust scientific findings through rapid peer review.
Researchers tested an automated microscope combined with AI software to diagnose malaria in blood samples. The system achieved 88% accuracy, comparable to expert microscopists, and has potential benefits including reducing workload and increasing patient load.
The digitization of Johanna Bonne-Wepster's field notes has filled significant gaps in mosquito research and tropical medicine. The collection contains valuable information on vector-borne diseases and their spread, which can inform current public health issues and future disease modeling.
A recent study found nearly 2,800 Latin Americans were infected with the parasite causing Chagas disease upon arrival in Barcelona. The majority had heart lesions, emphasizing the need for screening and prevention programs.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that removing invasive vegetation from water access points reduced schistosomiasis rates by nearly a third. The removed vegetation can be used as compost and livestock feed, improving food security.
A recent public engagement project uses street theatre to educate audiences on African Sleeping Sickness, a neglected tropical disease prevalent in rural Africa. The performance aims to enhance trust in scientists and public health professionals among affected communities.
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.
Inadequate household water can cause a range of adverse effects on children's health, including the spread of disease, interruptions to growth and development, and school absenteeism. This highlights the need for inclusive policies addressing water poverty and its impact on child well-being.
Scientists have found that tiger mosquitoes can transmit the chikungunya virus as effectively at 20°C as at 28°C, raising concerns about its spread in temperate regions. The study reveals different gene expression profiles and microbiome changes in infected mosquitoes, which could lead to increased transmission of the pathogen.
Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi receives the award for her leadership in developing a patent-free open-source vaccine for COVID-19, which has been adopted globally and distributed over 100 million doses.
University of Limerick researchers developed a new strategy to improve the properties of crystalline drugs, making them more soluble and palatable for children. The study focused on treating schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting over 250 million people worldwide.