Anti-malarial assistant
A glycolipid called a-GalCer enhances long-lasting CTL mediated immunity against malaria in mouse models. It interacts with NKT cells to bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
Malaria
Articles tagged with Malaria
Virginia Tech and Johns Hopkins invest $10 million to combat major human diseases
The collaboration will focus on understanding infectious disease pathogens, host interactions, and environmental factors. Researchers will develop technologies for rapid detection, identification, and remediation of pathogens.
Scientists milk animals for malaria vaccine
Researchers at NIAID have successfully produced a malaria vaccine using transgenic mice that secrete the vaccine protein in their milk. The vaccine has shown promising results, with only one out of five immunized monkeys contracting the disease.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2001
Promising results for malaria vaccine
A new malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS02, has demonstrated significant protection against natural P. falciparum infection in a randomised trial. The vaccine showed an overall efficacy of 34% after three doses, with increased effectiveness seen when a fourth dose was administered a year later.
Low-tech handheld device detects counterfeit drugs
A low-tech handheld refractometer can detect counterfeit malaria drugs and has the potential to be used to test mass batches of drugs imported from overseas. The device is relatively inexpensive and simple to use, making it a viable option for people in developing countries with limited resources.
Compounds in garlic fight malaria and cancer
Researchers discover that compounds in garlic, such as disulfides, can inhibit malaria infection and kill cancer cells due to their similarity in glucose metabolism. These findings suggest potential uses for garlic-derived compounds in treating malaria and certain types of cancer.
Antibodies to liver stage associated with malaria resistance
Researchers from Brown University and Seattle Biomedical Research Institute found high antibody levels against liver stage antigens (LSAs) correlate with malaria resistance. The study suggests LSAs may stimulate an immune response that protects against infection, paving the way for new malaria vaccine strategies.
Fresh hopes for treatment of malaria in Africa
Researchers have found a new antimalarial drug combination to be effective in treating falciparum malaria, the most severe form of the disease. In a study conducted in Tanzania, 93% of children were cleared of parasites after treatment with chlorproguanil-dapsone, compared to just 39% on standard pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine.
Simple diagnosis of anaemia and malaria
A new test for anaemia in young children in tropical countries has been found to improve their health and growth. The test uses a simple method involving filter paper and sample cards to determine iron deficiency, reducing the risk of malaria.
New antimalaria drug succeeds in first animal tests
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new antimalarial drug that has passed the first stage of preclinical testing in mice and rats. The carboxyphenyl trioxane compound shows good therapeutic index, safety, and efficacy in treating malaria.
NIAID awards grant to rapidly sequence the malaria mosquito genome
The NIAID has awarded a $9 million grant to Celera to rapidly sequence the Anopheles mosquito genome. This initiative will provide scientists with a unique opportunity to study the natural history of malaria by analyzing and comparing the genomes of mosquitoes, humans, and Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
Scientists find drastic underestimations of malaria morbidity, mortality, and economic burden
Scientists have found that between 700,000 to 2.7 million people die annually from malaria, with African children being the hardest hit. The disease also has significant economic implications, as countries with severe transmission experience slower growth rates than those with fewer infections.
SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 2, 2001
DDT insecticide increases risk of preterm birth
A study of over 44,000 children found a significant link between DDT exposure and preterm birth. Higher maternal DDE concentrations were associated with an increased risk of preterm births and babies born small for gestational age.
Clinical study confirms single gene change in chloroquine-resistant malaria
A clinical study has confirmed a single gene mutation as the cause of chloroquine-resistant malaria. The study developed a molecular marker that can diagnose individuals with chloroquine-resistant malaria, helping doctors select the best therapy and public health officials set country-wide treatment guidelines.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2001
Blocking enzyme imprisons malaria parasites
Researchers found a way to prevent infectious malaria particles from bursting out of their protective sacs by blocking the activity of a protein-snipping enzyme called protease. This discovery suggests that protease inhibitors could be used to treat malaria infection and keep the infectious particles imprisoned until they deteriorate.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2000
Scientists discover new stage in malarial infection
Researchers identified a two-step process by which malaria parasites break out of red blood cells, paving the way for developing clinically useful inhibitors. The discovery may lead to promising targets for drug development and improved understanding of the disease.
Single gene makes killer malaria parasite resistant to chloroquine
Researchers have identified a single gene on chromosome 7 of Plasmodium falciparum that makes the most deadly malaria parasite resistant to chloroquine. The pfcrt gene is associated with chloroquine resistance in parasite lines from Asia, Africa, and South America.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 18, 2000
NIAID awards major malaria vaccine research contract
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded a seven-year, $43.8 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for malaria vaccine production and support services. This contract supports the acceleration of new malaria vaccine development, including clinical trials.
NIH researchers discover 'feeding channel' created by malaria parasite
Researchers have found pore-like holes in red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly form of the malaria parasite. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for malaria, a widespread and devastating disease that affects over 40% of the world's population.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2000
NIH researchers discover 'feeding channel' created by malaria parasite - discovery provides new target for malaria treatments
Researchers have found a pore-like hole in the membranes of red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. This discovery may lead to new treatments for malaria, a devastating disease that kills over one million people each year. The study provides a new target for potential new malaria treatments.
Fruit fly model could explain how mosquitoes carry malaria: new drugs and vaccines on the horizon
Scientists have developed a fruit fly model to study malaria parasite development, which may lead to the creation of mosquitoes resistant to malaria. The research could also pave the way for better anti-malarial drugs and transmission-blocking vaccines.
Scientists discover fruit fly can open new doors to malaria research
Scientists at NIH and Whitehead Institute have grown malaria parasites in fruit flies, creating a model for studying parasite development in insects. The new model has identified a part of the insect immune system that naturally attacks malaria parasites.
NASA-Goddard scientists to highlight new earth science insights at spring 2000 AGU meeting
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center will present new findings on the impact of urbanization on photosynthetic production, climate change in coastal regions, and Arctic warming. These studies provide valuable insights into the effects of human activity on the environment.
Queen's University receives $765,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Dr. Kisilevsky and his team aim to develop agents that prevent protein-carbohydrate binding, effectively inhibiting malaria parasite infection. The project builds on expertise gained in amyloid and Alzheimer's research, exploring novel ideas at a molecular level.
Pouch's newfound role tied to potential new treatment for malaria
Researchers at University of Illinois find organelle with acidocalcisome properties, crucial for malaria parasite's existence, and propose using pyrophosphate analogs to target it. This discovery may lead to new treatment options against rapidly resistant malaria.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateApr 30, 2000
Magnetic fields may hold key to malaria treatment, UW researchers find
UW researchers find that oscillating magnetic fields can kill malaria parasites by damaging their iron-containing structures. The treatment could be inexpensive and simple, bypassing emerging drug resistance concerns.
NIH scientists create first detailed map of malaria parasite
Researchers at NIAID have produced the first high-resolution genetic map of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. The map provides a framework to accelerate genome sequencing efforts, enabling scientists to locate genes important for drug resistance and disease severity.
Revived drug prevents malaria, skirts drug resistance
Researchers found that atovaquone was 100% effective in keeping volunteers bitten by mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium falciparum from developing the disease. Pairing atovaquone with proguanil, an older malaria-fighting drug, provides protection while avoiding drug resistance.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateSep 24, 1999
Genetic Code Of Chromosome Of Malaria Parasite Deciphered
A team of researchers has determined the complete genetic sequence of Plasmodium falciparum's chromosome, identifying over 200 genes crucial for parasite functions and potential targets for new anti-malaria drugs. The findings may help develop a vaccine and improve treatment options for this deadly disease.
Virginia Tech Scientist Seek Genetic Solution To Malaria
Researchers are exploring transgenic mosquitoes capable of transmitting nitric oxide, which can kill parasites. This approach may offer a key to disrupting the complex relationship between mosquitoes and malaria parasites.
Severe Falciparum Malaria Increases In Honduras
Researchers found a striking increase in falciparum malaria in northern Honduras, with reported cases rising from 52,110 in 1994 to 75,565 in 1996. The more severe form of the disease accounted for 21% of infected patients, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Curing Malaria, Controlling Mosquitoes Symposium Set For AAAS Meeting
The symposium brings together experts to discuss whether it's possible to prevent malaria without harming mosquito diversity. The event follows an online debate about finding cures for drug-resistant forms of the disease.
Johns Hopkins Scientists Designing Compounds To Fight Malaria
Researchers have designed compounds that target Plasmodium falciparum parasites, which cause severe malaria. The new trioxane-based compounds show potential in treating the disease by inducing self-destruction in the parasite, offering a promising alternative to current treatments.
Three-Day Treatment Cures Decades-Old Case Of Malaria
A Johns Hopkins physician cured a 74-year-old woman's long-standing malaria case using a novel test developed by his collaborators. The patient had symptoms for up to 70 years, including severe headaches and cyclical fevers.
NIAID Doctor Successfully Treats Longest Case Of Malaria Infection On Record
A research physician at NIAID successfully treated a 74-year-old woman with the longest known malaria infection on record, using an extremely sensitive genetic test. The patient had been infected for decades and was mistakenly diagnosed with lymphoma earlier in her life.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 1998
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Research suggests that high levels of IgE type antibodies can cause an overactive immune response, leading to cerebral malaria. The study found a genetic link between IgE production and the production of TNF, which can be beneficial but also deadly in excessive amounts.
Scientists Produce New Anti-Malarial Compound
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed new chemical compounds that show promise in fighting malaria. The new compounds use the same mechanism to kill the parasite that causes malaria as another more expensive and difficult-to-produce drug, but are much less expensive and easier to produce.