Articles tagged with Parasites
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Researchers have identified interleukin-17A (IL-17A) as a crucial cytokine in the immune response against visceral leishmaniasis. Stimulating IL-17A production can help reduce parasite load and prevent organ lesions, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that people infected with Ebola virus were 20% more likely to survive if they were co-infected with malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. The survival difference was evident even after controlling for Ebola viral load and age.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the parasites that cause Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis, three neglected diseases affecting 20 million people worldwide. A new chemical has been developed to kill these parasites, offering hope for effective treatments.
Scientists have identified a single compound that can kill parasites responsible for three neglected diseases: Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and sleeping sickness. The new study suggests a single class of drugs could be used to treat all three diseases.
A study found that plant sugars affect mosquito susceptibility to malaria parasites, with certain plants increasing transmission rates. The researchers used an epidemiological model to predict the relative contribution of different plants to malaria transmission dynamics.
Researchers identified specific parasite proteins that trigger an antitumor immune response in mice with ovarian tumors. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapies using Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that has been shown to cure mice of solid tumors.
Researchers discovered that metacyclic trypanosomes are highly infectious and can colonize the skin of mice, leading to systemic infection. A subpopulation of parasites stays in the skin for at least 7 days, multiplying and interacting with local fat cells and collagen fibers.
A University of Toronto study found that high ocean temperatures and uncoordinated treatment likely led to an outbreak of sea lice in BC salmon farms. The study revealed that the spread of sea lice to migrating juvenile wild salmon resulted in the highest numbers of sea lice observed on wild salmon in a decade.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur have created a live, genetically attenuated vaccine for Plasmodium that triggers a potent immune response and provides long-term protection against malaria. The vaccine uses a mutated gene that boosts the production of an IL-6 cytokine, resulting in a strong cellular and humoral response.
Researchers from 14 institutions describe three significant steps forward in combating toxoplasmosis, including the discovery of critical molecular targets for new medicines and compounds effective against malaria. The findings offer renewed hope for the development of curative treatments for those with toxoplasmosis.
A team of researchers has identified the mechanisms behind excessive antibody production in chronic infections, discovering a link between B-cell activation and type 1 interferons. Proteins like endosomal TLRs trigger proinflammatory responses, leading to increased B-cell antibody production and potentially exacerbating conditions.
Research at the ESA Annual Meeting highlights the complex relationships between mosquitoes and their environments. Mosquito life cycles are connected to temperature and humidity, but warming climates may not always increase disease transmission. A study found that invasive mosquito species can even help break the spread of parasites.
Researchers have identified potential new antimalarial drugs targeting the parasite's heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a key player in its survival and resistance to treatments. The study uses innovative modelling technology to isolate compounds that can destroy the pathogen without affecting human cells.
Research in mice shows that one type of malaria parasite helps another thrive by exploiting resources, leading to worse health risks. The finding explains why co-infections with two types of malaria parasites often have more severe outcomes than single infections.
Research reveals that cleaner wrasse use 'tactical deception' to lure in clients and cheat them by biting off mucus, a behavior similar to human scams. The study also found that cleaners adjust their cheating behavior based on competition and stress levels.
A study on Plasmodium vivax reveals rapid evolution of drug resistance in response to widely-used antimalarial drugs. The genomic data sets will guide effective malaria control and elimination strategies, supporting local public health efforts.
A team of scientists has sequenced approximately 200 DNA samples of Plasmodium vivax collected from patients in 11 countries, revealing its genetic diversity and evolution. The study suggests that P. vivax is adapting to regional differences and anti-malarial drugs, making it challenging to eliminate globally.
Researchers have performed the first large-scale genomic analysis of P. vivax malaria infections, revealing patterns of variation that result from ancient events and recent selection. The study provides valuable information on parasite diversity within individuals and globally, which is essential for understanding how malaria is transm...
A global study has identified four genetically distinct populations of Plasmodium vivax, the parasite responsible for debilitating forms of malaria. The findings provide insights into the movement and adaptation of P. vivax over time, suggesting regional variations in mosquito transmission and human infection.
Researchers developed stealth nanocapsules that cure more than half of infected mice with Chagas disease, outperforming conventional nanocapsules. The new delivery system is simple to produce and can be taken orally, making it a practical solution for treating the disease in less developed countries.
Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic infection causing 50 million cases of amoebic dysentery each year and killing 50,000-100,000. Researchers aim to accelerate understanding of the parasite's metabolism by studying unusual enzymes that enable its survival.
Austrian researchers found that nematode species previously limited to Southern Europe have spread to the country, infecting dogs and potentially affecting people. Monitoring of mosquitoes and wild animals is crucial to slow the spread of parasites.
New research suggests that sexual transmission of Ebola could have a major impact on the dynamics of the disease. The study found that even small and short outbreaks with sexual transmission were larger and longer-lasting than those without it.
Researchers discover potent activity of oxaboroles against malaria parasites, highlighting a promising new class of antimalarial drugs. The compounds target the LeuRS enzyme, which is essential for protein synthesis, making them a potential cure for malaria with minimal resistance risk.
Researchers are seeking volunteers to help investigate the impact of harlequin ladybirds on UK insects, including a wasp parasite. By spotting seven-spot ladybirds in gardens and parks, participants can help track the lifecycle of the wasp and its effects on native species.
Researchers discovered that new malaria drugs promote premature parasite division by increasing sodium ion concentration, altering membrane composition and killing the parasite. The study found that these changes occur without replicating the parasite's genome, indicating a potential new mechanism of action for antimalarial drugs.
A recent study by Penn State researchers has revealed how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exploits the human immune response to infect red blood cells. The parasite uses the complement system, a key part of the immune response, to evade detection and invasion, making it more challenging to develop an effective vaccine.
Researchers found that host birds only tolerate brood parasite eggs when threatened with retaliation by the parasitic birds. This 'mafia hypothesis' explains why some hosts accept parasitic eggs despite the risk of losing their own young.
A new investigational malaria vaccine has been shown to protect healthy US adults for more than one year. The PfSPZ vaccine demonstrates sterile protection in individuals with no prior infection, paving the way for potential use against future malaria outbreaks.
Entomologists have described a traumatic insemination process in which male twisted-winged parasites inject semen directly into the female's body cavity. The fertilization process is unusually prolonged, lasting up to 30 minutes, and is likely used to reduce sperm competition.
Researchers developed a technique to reduce infectious malaria parasites in whole blood, significantly reducing the risk of transmission through blood transfusion. The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system has shown promising results in treating whole blood using ultraviolet light energy and riboflavin.
A new trial suggests treating donated blood with UV radiation and vitamin B2 reduces malaria parasite levels, minimizing transmission risk. The technology shows promise for improving safety in sub-Saharan Africa's blood transfusion industry.
A new type of transposable element was discovered in certain bird genomes, which also occurred in nematode worms that are human parasites. The finding reveals that these modern human parasite species were birds from 25-17 million years ago.
Researchers at Umea University have discovered an enzyme in the sleeping sickness parasite that can cleave and disarm adenosine analogue pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough enables the development of more efficient drugs, bypassing the parasite's protective mechanism.
A new study found that parasites resistant to atovaqueone cannot pass this resistance on to their offspring, due to developmental defects and impaired reproduction. The research suggests that these mutations severely impair the parasite's lifecycle in mosquito hosts, preventing transmission.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that female New Zealand freshwater snails that reproduce sexually are more resilient to parasitic worms than females that produce offspring asexually. The team tested the hypothesis in Lake Grasmere, finding that male snails were present even in areas with low parasite activity.
A new study reveals that a genetic mutation protecting malaria parasites against a key anti-malarial drug eventually kills them by stopping energy production. This discovery could improve malaria treatment and prevent mass drug resistance from spreading.
A new hybrid drug combines parts of chloroquine and a chemoreversal agent to counteract malaria resistance. The dual-acting mechanism kills the parasite by concentrating the drug in its stomach.
A recent study found that six commonly used insecticides kill amphibian parasites, potentially decreasing the number of parasites an amphibian must defend against. The study also showed population-specific differences in pesticide resistance, highlighting the importance of considering multiple populations when assessing toxicity.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health identifies a sugar variant on the surface of human red blood cells that limits the ability of P. knowlesi to invade. The parasite has been shown to evolve and overcome this barrier, potentially leading to enhanced transmission between humans.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified an immune protein called RELMalpha that protects the body from damage caused by hookworm infections. The protein is found in mice and is expected to function similarly in humans.
A Field Museum study identifies malaria's evolutionary history in bird hosts, revealing its spread to bats and other mammals. The analysis sheds light on the connection between animals and their parasites, providing insights into the natural environments we share with animals and plants.
The study reveals that Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, has a limited genetic diversity compared to its chimpanzee and gorilla cousins. The team found an expansion of a multi-gene family in Laverania parasites that helps them evade host immune cells and clear the spleen, contributing to severe malaria pathology.
The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute scientists discovered that the insertion of just two DNA bases into a gene helps the parasite overcome antimonial drug treatment. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that the genetic landscape of L. donovani offers new insights into its evolutionary history and ability to develop drug resistance.
Competition among malaria parasite strains in human hosts can influence the spread of drug resistance, according to a new study. The research found that when hosts are co-infected with drug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains, both strains are competitively suppressed, potentially leading to the emergence of resistant strains.
Researchers discovered that schistosome stem cells are responsible for constantly renewing the worm's outer layer of skin, a unique tissue called the tegument. This process allows the flatworm to survive in the bloodstream for decades, evading its host's immune defenses.
A two-drug preventive treatment reduces the severity of malaria during pregnancy, providing a reliable alternative to standard treatment. The study found that the treatment reduced the risk of adverse birth outcomes and placental malaria.
A study found that infected brine shrimp were more resistant to arsenic toxicity, with increased fat-containing droplets and changes in oxidative stress markers. The researchers suggest that parasite infection may protect the shrimp against pollutants through a mechanism known as 'survival of the fattest',
A new study found that doses of deltamethrin can interfere with the development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes, reducing transmission. Insecticide-treated nets remain a vital tool in preventing malaria, even in areas with resistant mosquito populations.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that nitric oxide plays a protective role in the blood-brain barrier, reducing parasite invasion and inflammation. The researchers discovered that NO inhibits inflammatory molecules, such as TNF and MMP-9, which can lead to BBB damage.
Scientists have created the first 3D 'map' of a critical protein used by Plasmodium vivax to infect human red blood cells. This discovery could lead to a vaccine targeting both the most prevalent and deadly malaria parasites. Understanding how the parasite enters red blood cells is essential for developing strategies to prevent malaria.
The study reveals that Schistosoma mansoni, a blood fluke infecting over 250 million people worldwide, originated in East Africa and was transported by slave traders to the Caribbean. Genomic comparison with a closely related species identifies key genetic variations enabling the parasite to infect humans.
Scientists have developed a new drug targeting the malaria parasite's proteasome, which could combat the growing resistance to first-defence treatments. The innovative approach has shown promising results in killing resistant parasites and may complement existing artemisinin drugs.
Researchers estimate that up to 25% of white-tailed deer along the East Coast of the United States are infected with Plasmodium odocoilei, a previously unknown malaria parasite. The discovery fundamentally changes our understanding of malaria distribution and evolutionary history in mammals.
GW University's Paul Brindley and MIT's Kevin Esvelt are working on a gene drive project to eliminate schistosomiasis using CRISPR technology. The goal is to 'supercharge' evolution, sterilizing and eliminating the disease-causing parasites.
A UTSA researcher has received a $670,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop novel liver-stage antimalarial treatments. The goal is to stop the malaria parasite before it causes disease, which would protect people living in areas with high malaria burden.
Researchers demonstrate Meselson effect for first time in any organism at genome-wide level, studying a parasite called T.b. gambiense. The study reveals that the parasite's inability to recombine with each other prevents genes from being exchanged between strains.
Researchers used data from a national survey to model areas of high risk of Mansonella perstans infection and examine its overlap with other parasitic infections. The study found that forested areas and high densities of cattle are associated with increased levels of M. perstans infection.
African trypanosomes use nanotubes to sense their environment and respond to it, as well as release extracellular vesicles that can cause anemia in humans. The discovery could lead to improved therapies for sleeping sickness, a disease fatal if left untreated and threatening millions of people annually.
Researchers at OIST have reconstructed the 3D structure of Plasmodium falciparum protein PfEMP1, which deceives IgM antibodies and facilitates rosette formation. This understanding can aid in designing anti-malaria treatments that target these clusters.