Articles tagged with Tropical Diseases
Researchers have found lab-made antibodies that can strengthen the body's fight against yellow fever, a disease with no current treatment. The monoclonal antibody infusions were able to remove all signs of infection from research animals, offering potential hope for a cure.
A 16-year analysis of Brazilian research funding reveals stagnant funding for neglected tropical diseases, including chikungunya, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, and malaria. Systematic underfunding is observed even among these diseases, which are considered neglected tropical diseases.
Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that volatile repellents containing ammonia and amines can be used to combat insect-borne diseases by disrupting their sense of smell and taste. The research found that these compounds can silence olfactory neurons in mosquitoes, preventing them from detecting human skin odor.
A new review paper aims to educate medical professionals on diagnosing and treating rat lungworm disease, which is expected to spread globally due to climate change. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in reducing the risk of complications such as long-term disability.
The Phase II/III study found that acoziborole has an 18-month treatment success rate of 95% for late-stage patients and 100% for early-stage patients, with no significant safety concerns reported. This breakthrough could lead to the elimination of sleeping sickness through a simplified 'screen-and-treat' approach.
A new study found that a single dose of acoziborole is as effective as current treatments for sleeping sickness, with a cure rate of 95% for late-stage patients and 100% for early/intermediate-stage patients. The treatment could revolutionize treatment for the disease by eliminating barriers such as hospitalization and travel distances.
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
Research reveals that 32 species of animals, including prawns, crabs, and lizards, can act as carriers of the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause serious illness and death. The study aims to raise awareness about paratenic hosts and prevent infection by avoiding eating raw or infected animals.
A nationwide survey in El Salvador identified areas with high Chagas disease transmission, highlighting the need for targeted vector control measures. The study suggests that continued efforts are necessary to combat this neglected tropical disease.
A new study finds that climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and ocean warming predict mosquito population growth in Sri Lanka for the next one to six months. The research can inform programs to limit dengue transmission, a major public health problem in the country.
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.
Researchers found that infected mice and humans emit a specific molecule, acetophenone, which attracts mosquitoes. This altered scent allows the viruses to spread faster. A potential preventative, isotretinoin, was also tested and shown to reduce mosquito attraction.
A new machine learning-based AI tool has been developed to aid doctors in distinguishing between tropical diseases such as dengue and malaria. The tool has shown promising results in improving diagnosis accuracy.
A team of researchers created an in vitro human model of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) using the Human Organ Chip technology. The EED Chips recapitulate features of EED found in biopsies from human patients, including inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between malnu...
A molecule in mosquito spit called sialokinin has been identified as a potential new target for vaccination against Yellow Fever, Dengue and Zika. Researchers found that sialokinin causes blood vessels to become permeable, allowing viruses to infect the host.
A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.
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.
Research reveals high rates of parasitic worm infections in ancient British populations, particularly during the Roman and Medieval periods. The study sheds light on the lives and habits of past populations, providing insights into public health measures.
Researchers have developed a vaccine using CRISPR technology to protect against Leishmania mexicana, a parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas. The vaccine is safe and effective in mice, preventing skin lesions and infection for over 10 weeks.
Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...
A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.
A new study found that one dose of ivermectin was just as effective as two doses in reducing scabies prevalence and impetigo cases. The 'screen-and-treat' approach using permethrin cream was also effective, but impractical for large-scale implementation.
Researchers identified a novel therapeutic target for multiple myeloma by discovering the Sec61 translocon's vulnerability to inhibition. This targets the translocon prevents multiple myeloma cells from producing proteins through the secretory pathway, leading to their death.
Researchers have solved the mystery of how praziquantel works, a key to treating schistosomiasis. The discovery highlights new opportunities for drug development and may help combat this debilitating disease affecting over a billion people worldwide.
Children with congenital zika syndrome exhibit different neurological development profiles, with varying abilities to respond to stimuli. Larger head circumference is associated with higher cognitive and motor scores, according to the study published in PLOS ONE.
Researchers found 2.4 times the rate of arbovirosis as originally reported, including coinfections, suggesting underestimation of the incidence of the three viruses. The study enriches epidemiological information on these arboviruses, which can help improve estimates of burden and resource allocation.
Mass treatment with Ivermectin has halted the spread of river blindness in two Nigerian states, Plateau and Nasarawa, marking a major milestone in disease elimination efforts. Separate studies also show the potential for Ivermectin to reduce West Nile Virus transmission by mixing it into bird feed.
A new study found that host immunity drives the evolution of the dengue virus, causing it to adapt and change over time. The research, published in Science, analyzed genetic variation and immune signatures of dengue viruses isolated in Bangkok over a 20-year period.
A Brazilian study found that children exposed to malaria from birth are more likely to develop anemia by age two. The researchers, led by Dr. Marly Augusto Cardoso, followed 1,539 children and discovered that 12.6% were anemic, with a higher prevalence in rural areas not covered by the study.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an ultrapotent inhibitor of the dengue virus, effective against all known variants. The antiviral molecule is also suitable for prevention purposes and has shown promising results in mouse tests, with a low dose being extremely effective.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has initiated a Phase II/III clinical trial for the Bharat Biotech Chikungunya vaccine candidate BBV87, evaluating its safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults across five countries. The study aims to develop an affordable vaccine with the aim of achieving WHO prequalification.
Research suggests climate change will increase disease pressure in some regions and reduce it in others. Model projections indicate that rising temperatures will boost yields in temperate areas while having little effect on tropical regions.
Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.
Researchers have identified tap water access as a strong predictor of dengue risk in urban environments. Poorly accessed colonies showed higher risks of exposure and recent infection compared to wealthier areas, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control measures.
Researchers found thousands of Wuhan residents infected with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases after initial control measures. The study suggests a large number of asymptomatic carriers existed after reported cases were eliminated.
Researchers identified traditional Ghanaian medicines that work in the lab against schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis. Eight extracts showed good activity against these diseases, as well as trypanosomes, which cause other human diseases.
A Convoluted Neural Network was trained on a library of mosquito images to classify species, sex, and strain. The system achieved 99.96% prediction accuracy for class identification.
The study suggests that tropical peatlands could reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of new diseases jumping from animals to humans. Conservation efforts in these areas could mitigate zoonotic disease transmission, protect human health, and strengthen arguments for their conservation and restoration.
Researchers discovered that the Chapare virus can spread from person to person in healthcare settings, posing risks of additional outbreaks. The virus was found to be transmitted through bodily fluids and may have been circulating in Bolivia for several years.
A new study found that rising temperatures make brown dog ticks more likely to choose humans over canines, elevating the risk of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infections. As climate change expands areas with high temperatures, public health authorities must be vigilant for increased disease risks.
The illustrations, created by Nigerian artist Christian Okwananke, show social and mental health impacts of NTDs like stigmatisation, loneliness, and depression. They were shown to NTD health professionals and had an impact, sparking conversations in a sensitive way.
A new study examines local attitudes towards Chagas disease and its transmission, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive campaigns. The findings suggest that social and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping public perception, particularly regarding preventive measures and treatment options.
PATH will lead an international collaboration to optimize Cry5B protein as an inexpensive, broad-spectrum antiparasitic treatment suitable for adults, children, and pregnant women. The goal is to expand anthelmintic MDA campaigns and reduce the global burden of STH infections.
Chinese workers have high awareness of COVID-19, but older and less-educated individuals require additional education to prevent misinformation. A large cross-sectional study in Shenzhen found most respondents knew basic information about symptoms and preventive measures.
A new study published in eLife suggests that rising temperatures may shift the optimal temperature range for West Nile virus transmission in the US. The research found that moderate temperatures are most conducive to viral spread, and extreme temperatures limit transmission in certain areas.
Scientists at the University of York have deciphered the mechanism by which the compound AB1 kills the trypanosome parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. The breakthrough could potentially lead to a cure for this devastating neglected tropical disease and others like Chagas disease.
The elimination of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem is within reach, with fewer than 1,000 new cases reported in 2018. According to the study, the area at moderate or high risk of HAT has shrunk significantly since 2016.
Researchers successfully coordinated MDA to stop onchocerciasis transmission in Sudan and Ethiopia, demonstrating the effectiveness of binational cooperation. The study marked the first known interruption of transmission across international borders.
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 meta-analysis of 250 studies reveals that approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide, or 19%, are exposed to Toxocara. The prevalence rates vary greatly between regions, with highest rates in Africa and East Asia.
Researchers report that two commercially-available rapid diagnostic tests can be combined for conclusive diagnosis of Chagas disease. The tests provided a sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 96.1%, outperforming the conventional serological method.
Researchers found that women in Ethiopia often delay seeking care due to social taboos surrounding genital and breast diseases, while men may be deterred by economic dependence on their partners. The study suggests integrating NTD treatment into primary healthcare can address these gender-related challenges.
Research reveals that MDA programmes often fail to reach marginalized communities due to inequitable treatment delivery, affecting PC NTD prevention. The study highlights the need for consideration of gender and equity issues in health systems to address these disparities.
A recent study reveals significant elevations in anti-inflammatory lipid mediators in response to Toxocara roundworm infections, which contribute to the pathogenesis of neurotoxocarosis. The findings provide new understanding of host-parasite interactions during this disease.
Researchers found that levels of filarial antigens increase after treatment in individuals with adverse events, suggesting a host response to dying parasites. Gene expression analysis also identified elevated levels of immune molecules and 744 genes involved in immune signaling in those with adverse events.
Visceral leishmaniasis has expanded to Central-Southern Brazil through three dispersion routes: Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline, Paraguay, and western Santa Catarina State. The study highlights the lack of joint policies with neighboring countries as a risk factor for disease spread.
Researchers found that CDC-developed Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) traps successfully protected people from chikungunya virus infection in Puerto Rican communities. The study showed a significant reduction in CHIKV seropositivity among participants in intervention areas with AGO traps compared to those without traps.