A win-win-win-win
Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.
Parasites
Articles tagged with Parasites
Targeted nanoparticles can overcome drug resistance in trypanosomes
Researchers developed targeted nanoparticles that deliver existing drugs directly into parasite cells, reducing the curative dose by 100-fold and circumventing drug resistance. This high-tech approach has the potential to reverse resistance to many first-line treatments for infectious diseases.
New target identified for inhibiting malaria parasite invasion
A new study finds that calcineurin is essential for malaria parasites to invade red blood cells. The protein allows the parasite to recognize and attach to the red blood cell surface, and inhibitors of calcineurin can prevent infection.
Old-school literature search helps ecologist identify puzzling parasite
A months-long literature search uncovered evidence that a microscopic aquatic parasite, Blastulidium paedophthorum, is a widespread and virulent multi-host parasite in southeastern Michigan lakes. The research found that the parasite significantly impacts host fecundity without reducing Daphnia lifespan.
Protein discovery fuels redesign of mosquito-based malaria vaccine
Researchers uncover detailed information on AnAPN1 protein shape and antibody binding sites, enabling the design of more effective mosquito-based vaccines. This breakthrough may lead to a reduced number of infected mosquitoes and eventual disease eradication.
New target may increase odds of successful mosquito-based malaria vaccine
Researchers have discovered a new and promising target site for a potential vaccine against malaria, a mosquito-borne illness that kills hundreds of thousands each year. The AnAPN1 protein is believed to be central to the transmission of the malaria parasite through mosquitoes.
USF biologists: Biodiversity reduces human, wildlife diseases and crop pests
A University of South Florida study confirms the dilution effect hypothesis, suggesting biodiversity loss poses a public health threat by causing disease outbreaks. The research found broad evidence that species-rich communities suffer less infectious disease, implying maintaining biodiversity could reduce parasite abundance.
Bumble bees in the last frontier
A two-year study on bumble bees in Alaskan agricultural areas reveals declining populations of the western bumble bee species Bombus occidentalis, which is infected with Nosema and social parasites. The research provides baseline data for understanding reported patterns of bumble bee declines in North America.
Cozy niches: Certain host cell environments make malaria parasites resistant to drugs
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that malaria parasites growing in different host cells can develop resistance to antimalarial drugs. Researchers found that the metabolic state of red blood cells provides a unique environment for Plasmodium parasites, allowing them to scavenge essential resources and evade drug targeting.
New findings shed light on complexities of emerging zoonotic malaria
Researchers have identified two genetically divergent subpopulations of P. knowlesi in human cases, each associated with a different species of reservoir host. This discovery highlights the complexity of zoonotic malaria transmission and may lead to new possibilities for parasite adaptation to humans.
One to ovoid?
A new study uses 3D printed eggs to test how birds identify and reject parasitic eggs with greater precision. Researchers found that robins accepted 100% of blue-green eggs but rejected 79% of cowbird-like eggs, similar to past studies but with less variability and precise reproduction.
For spider monkeys, social grooming comes with a cost
A study found that physical contact during social grooming increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites in brown spider monkeys. The researchers analyzed data from 12 individual monkeys and found a strong correlation between grooming interactions and parasite infections, particularly with roundworms Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus.
Chagas disease vaccine shows long-term protection in mice
A candidate vaccine has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Mice vaccinated with a combination of two parasite proteins showed reduced parasite numbers and improved immune response compared to uninfected mice.
Malaria parasite's essential doorway into red blood cells illuminated
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified a critical host factor, CD55, that enables the malaria parasite to invade human red blood cells. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing therapies to treat and prevent malaria.
UTMB researchers devise vaccine that provides long-term protection against Chagas disease
Researchers at UTMB have successfully tested a vaccine for Chagas disease, which can provide long-lasting immunity in animal models. The vaccine was found to significantly reduce parasite levels and prevent chronic symptoms, making it a promising tool for control of this infection.
Malarial parasites dodge the kill
Researchers have identified a way for malaria parasites to dodge anti-malarial drugs, surviving inside immature red blood cells and remaining sensitive to certain treatments. This finding may help guide future research and lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs for refractory patients.
No single cut-off for parasite half-life can define artemisinin-resistant malaria
A study by Lisa White and colleagues found that parasite half-life is a key predictor of artemisinin-resistant malaria, but the current definition of resistance is inaccurate. The researchers suggest refining the definition to account for parasite load at the start of treatment.
Model uncovers malaria parasite causes red blood cell changes
Researchers developed a model of a malaria-infected red blood cell to understand the mechanism behind stiffening and stickiness. The model found that protein nodules called knobs contribute to stiffness, suggesting a promising approach to treat the disease by softening the cells.
Bumblebees use nicotine to fight off parasites
Researchers found that bumblebees infected with the Crithidia bombi parasite were more likely to consume nicotine-laced nectar, delaying parasite progression. However, consuming nicotine had negative effects, suppressing the appetite of infected bees and reducing healthy bee lifespan.
Boosting the malaria battle-line
Researchers discovered that combining artemisinins with a low dose of an anti-cancer drug can increase the effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs and overcome the parasite's defences. This finding has the potential to combat resistant malaria parasites, which are currently spreading globally.
Stressed-out parasites: Overcoming drug-resistant malaria
Researchers discover that artemisinin treatment can be effective against resistant malaria parasites by extending treatment duration or using proteasome inhibitors, which cause cellular stress and damage protein degradation. The study provides new hope for preventing the spread of drug resistance in Southeast Asia.
Researchers make key malarial drug-resistence finding
Researchers at Notre Dame have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding the mechanism of artemisinin resistance in malaria. They found that a specific lipid called phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) is produced by an enzyme called PfPI3K, and its levels are linked to artemisinin resistance.
New genetic mutation could signal start of malaria drug resistance in Africa
Researchers at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine discovered a genetic mutation in the ap2mu gene that makes Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites less susceptible to artemisinin and quinine. This finding suggests a different route to drug resistance may be developing independently in Africa.
Study of African birds reveals hotbed of malaria parasite diversity
A new study found that 79% of southeast African birds were infected with haemosporidian parasites, including novel malaria parasite lineages. The study's findings indicate that lifestyle characteristics of birds can influence their association with different parasite genera.
To survive, a parasite mixes and matches its disguises, study suggests
Researchers tracked protein coats on sleeping sickness parasite, finding up to 80 distinct disguises present at any time. This challenges conventional understanding of antigenic variation and its role in parasite survival.
Cattle-killer: Two parasites are better than one
A study published in Science Advances reveals that co-infection with two parasite species can reduce the severity of a more lethal disease, East Coast fever. The researchers propose using a mild parasitic infection as a vaccine alternative, which could be safer and less costly.
African parasite that spreads poverty by killing cattle tamed by its less lethal cousins
African cattle infected with the deadly East Coast fever parasite are less likely to die when co-infected with its milder cousin. The findings suggest a protective process that could also be at work in human malaria, where infections with milder parasites may protect against severe disease.
MSU doctors' discovery of how malaria kills children will lead to life-saving treatments
Researchers discovered that brain swelling is the cause of death in children with cerebral malaria, which may lead to new treatments targeting the swelling. The study's findings could help reduce mortality rates from malaria in Africa, where the disease still claims thousands of lives each year.
Parasite turns shrimp into voracious cannibals
A new study found that a parasite significantly increases cannibalism among freshwater shrimp in Northern Ireland. Infected shrimp become voracious and consume their victims twice as much as uninfected animals. The research suggests that the parasite may be weakening the shrimp's resistance to invasive species.
IU scientists discover mechanism that may help parasites manipulate their hosts
IU scientists have discovered a new way the parasite Toxoplasma gondii modifies brain cells, which may help explain changes in the behavior of mice and potentially influence human behavior. The findings suggest that Toxoplasma infection could alter human behavior, with some research suggesting an association with schizophrenia.
How blood group O protects against malaria
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet identified the key role of RIFIN protein in protecting blood type O individuals from severe malaria. The protein binds strongly to A blood cells but weakly to O, explaining why O individuals are less susceptible to the disease.
Highly sensitive detection of malaria parasites
Researchers developed ultra-sensitive detection methods for malaria parasites, detecting 58% of infections in human blood samples at low concentrations. The new assays surpass current standards, identifying 16% more cases and reducing false negatives.
Study sheds light on how malaria parasites grow exponentially
Researchers from the University of South Florida have discovered how malaria parasites replicate their chromosomes up to thousands of times before spinning off into daughter cells. This understanding could lead to a powerful new treatment for malaria-caused illnesses, which kill over 600,000 people annually.
Parasite provides clues to evolution of plant diseases
A recent study by researchers at The Sainsbury Laboratory has shed new light on the evolution of plant diseases using a generalist parasite, Albugo candida. The parasite's ability to suppress host immunity allows it to adapt to different host species and expand its range.
Fighting a worm with its own genome
Researchers sequenced and analyzed the genome of a specific hookworm species to discover new information for treating parasitic infections. They identified unique protein families, such as ASPRs, that may block the host's immune response, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Malaria plays hide-and-seek with immune system by using long noncoding RNA to switch genes
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover malaria parasite uses long noncoding RNA to switch genes and evade human immune system. They develop novel method to suppress virulence genes, breaking code of its immune evasion.
Small predator diversity is an important part of a healthy ecosystem
A study found that diverse small predators, like dragonfly larvae, reduce parasitic flatworm infections in frogs. The research suggests a link between dwindling global biodiversity and increased infectious diseases.
USF biologists: Reductions in biodiversity can elevate disease risk
A study by USF biologists reveals that an abundance of predators can help control parasite transmission in amphibians, potentially reducing disease risk. The researchers identified a key trait of predators that predicts their ability to dilute disease risk.
Parasitism runs deep in malaria's family tree
Researchers at University of British Columbia discover that parasites in the apicomplexan family evolved to become parasites earlier than thought, with some relatives being photosynthetic algae. Advanced genomic analysis and observations of cell structure and behavior reveal a more complex evolutionary history.
Virginia Tech researchers discover possible drug target to combat sleeping sickness
Virginia Tech biochemists identify PCNA as a key protein in the sleeping sickness parasite's life cycle, suggesting multiple ways to disrupt its function. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to curb the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
Medtech meets cleantech: Malaria vaccine candidate produced from algae
Scientists at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine developed a malaria parasite protein produced by algae, generating antibodies in mice that nearly eliminated mosquito infection. The method uses an affordable and environmentally friendly approach to prevent malaria transmission from host to mosquito.
UNL researcher: More infectious diseases emerging because of climate change
A UNL researcher highlights the impact of climate change on the emergence of infectious diseases, citing examples of West Nile virus and Ebola as predictable outcomes. The expert calls for greater collaboration between public and veterinary health communities to address the growing threat.
Tracking parasites with satellites
Researchers are using satellite data to target deadly parasites by identifying areas where disease flourishes. The project combines skills from various scientists to create maps accessible to countries with limited capacity for managing disease data.
New research: Malaria parasites unlikely to jump from animals to humans
A new study led by University of Maryland School Medicine researcher Joana C. Silva found that five common Plasmodium species have not changed which animals they infect for at least 3 million years. This suggests that host switching by malaria-causing parasites is not a common event on an evolutionary time scale.
Einstein scientists develop novel technique for finding drugs to combat malaria
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel yeast-based high-throughput assay to identify inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum transporter, which could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs. The technique was used to screen over 64,000 compounds and identified 171 potential antimalarial drugs.
Genetic code cracked for worldwide dog and human parasite
The University of Melbourne-led study cracks the genetic code of T. canis, revealing its molecular biology and providing valuable insights into combating deadly outbreaks. The findings will aid future research on other related parasites, improving global health outcomes.
Artificially intelligent robot scientist 'Eve' could boost search for new drugs
Eve, an AI robot scientist, has demonstrated the success of its approach to speed up drug discovery and make it more economical. It discovered a compound that has anti-cancer and malaria properties, which could potentially improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
In Illinois, muskrats and minks harbor toxoplasmosis, a cat disease
A new study finds that muskrats and minks in central Illinois have high rates of toxoplasmosis, a parasite spread by cats. The researchers suspect tile drainage systems and lack of natural wetlands in the area are contributing to the disease's spread.
Urban sprawl promotes worm exchange across species
Researchers identified 32% of parasites found in rats also infecting humans, highlighting the importance of habitat overlap and species relationships. The study developed a new modeling approach to forecast parasitic infections and disease emergence globally.
Predators, parasites, pests and the paradox of biological control
A new study from University of Michigan researchers reveals that competition between predators and parasites can strengthen biological control systems, rather than weaken them. This counterintuitive finding has potential applications for organic farming and pest control, where synthetic pesticides are not allowed.
Genetics underpinning antimalarial drug resistance revealed
A genome-wide study of the malaria parasite reveals a complex genetic architecture that enables artemisinin resistance. Researchers found 20 mutations in the kelch13 gene and four other genes that work together to support resistance, but monitoring specific genetic backgrounds could help target high-risk regions.
New strains of parasites identified
A recent study by Ria Ghai has identified three genetically distinct groups of whipworms, with only one being transmissible between humans and non-human primates. This discovery has significant public health implications and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
Software created to help find a cure for a 'great neglected disease'
Schistosomiasis, caused by a water-born parasite, affects 200 million globally. A new software, QDREC, helps find an effective treatment by automating the drug-discovery process.
Whole plant therapy shows promise to beat malaria parasites' drug resistance
Researchers at UMass Amherst found a whole plant therapy more effective than purified drug artemisinin in killing malaria parasites, even those resistant to the pharmaceutical treatment. The study suggests using the whole plant may be a sustainable alternative for treating human malaria.
Fast-changing genes help malaria to hide in the human body
A study revealed that malaria parasites change surface proteins every 48 hours to hide from the immune system, creating millions of new variants. This rapid evolution makes it difficult to develop an effective vaccine against the disease.
Stay complex, my friends
Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.
How blood parasites colonize and persist in small island bird populations
A new study reveals that increases in parasite prevalence and diversity are linked to offshore winds, while infected vagrant birds have a limited impact on local bird populations. The findings provide insights into the complex factors driving island biogeography and parasite persistence.
Cause of malaria drug resistance in SE Asia identified
A study published in Science has identified a single mutated gene, K13, as the cause of growing resistance to malaria drugs in Southeast Asia. This finding provides a way to detect emerging resistance and potentially eliminate it before spreading globally.
Analogues of a natural product are drug candidates against malaria
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have identified two derivatives of borrelidin that completely remove the parasite load from mice and confer immunological memory to fight future infections. These compounds act on the protein production machinery of the parasite, making them efficient in all phases of infection.
Nanotechnology against malaria parasites
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed nanomimics of host cell membranes that trick malaria parasites. These nanomimics effectively disrupt the parasite's cycle, blocking its invasion of new red blood cells while exposing it to the immune system.