Articles tagged with Parasites
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A new study reveals that monkey-borne Plasmodium knowlesi is the leading cause of malaria hospitalizations in Malaysia, with 68% of cases attributed to this parasite. Deforestation and increased human interactions with macaques are potential culprits behind this rise in infections.
Researchers are developing two types of malaria vaccines: anti-infection vaccines that prevent people from becoming infected, and transmission-blocking vaccines that prevent mosquitoes from being infected. The goal is to induce an unnatural immunity in humans and mosquitoes, reducing the human parasite reservoir.
Genetics expert Muntaser Ibrahim's research on human genetic variation and population structure sheds light on disease susceptibility, offering potential insights into novel vaccines. His studies have identified key gene variants that can protect against malaria and other infectious diseases.
Researchers found that male great bustards consume toxic blister beetles to eliminate parasites and look healthier. This behavior is a mechanism of sexual selection, where males use cantharidin to show females their resistance to toxicity, potentially increasing reproductive success.
Swiss researchers have discovered a new parasite species that represents the missing link between fungi and extreme parasites. The study reveals that microsporidia adopted intracellular parasitism first, followed by genome modifications such as the loss of mitochondria and metabolic simplification.
Malaria causes over 200 million cases annually, with P. falciparum responsible for most deaths; researchers seek inhibitors of sugar metabolism enzyme to fight the disease.
A new theory proposes that blackflies infected with Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae transmit a secondary pathogen causing NS. The study suggests that population displacement and insecticide control measures may limit the spread of NS.
Scientists investigated how piglet immune systems respond to Cystoisospora suis, finding gamma delta T cells and cytotoxic T-cells play key roles. The study also revealed the importance of maternal antibodies in preventing disease severity.
Researchers found that malaria parasites in birds react to mosquito bites, triggering increased parasite loads and higher infection rates of mosquitoes. This 'plastic' transmission strategy may improve malaria control by better understanding its ecological determinants.
Researchers have identified a genetic region controlling red blood cell invasion in the chimpanzee malaria parasite, which differs from the human malaria parasite. This finding provides potential pathways for developing vaccines against human malaria.
Scientists have identified a weak spot in the life cycle of malaria parasites, where female parasites store fat differently to males. This discovery could lead to new drugs targeting the fat molecule gABCG2, potentially preventing the spread of the disease.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs by repurposing an existing antibiotic called emetine. The study revealed how emetine blocks the molecular machinery required for malaria parasite survival, offering a promising approach to com...
Researchers have developed a new malaria diagnosis technique using magnetic resonance relaxometry (MRR) to detect hemozoin crystals produced by the Plasmodium parasite. This method offers a more reliable and minimally invasive way to diagnose malaria, with potential for low-cost field deployment.
A UCSF-led team found that children with repeated malaria exposure experience fewer clinical symptoms, but also have reduced immune responses. This depletion of gamma delta T cells may be beneficial in some ways, but detrimental in others, allowing the disease to spread.
Researchers have discovered over 30 enzyme-blocking molecules that can curb malaria before symptoms start, targeting the liver stage of the parasite's lifecycle. These protein kinase inhibitors, also used to treat cancer, could diversify the antimalarial arsenal and extend the lifespan of existing drugs.
Researchers used laser optical tweezers to study interactions between malaria parasites and red blood cells, revealing new insights into the disease process. The study found that attachment is mediated by multiple weak interactions, which could potentially be blocked by a combination of drugs or antibodies.
Researchers discovered that HP1 proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in malaria parasites, allowing them to survive and transmit. The study found that depleting HP1 enabled the parasite to express high levels of var genes, which can evade the immune system.
MIT researchers have developed a new genome-editing technique using CRISPR to disrupt malaria genes with up to 100% success rate in weeks. This approach could accelerate the identification of novel therapeutic targets for malaria drugs and vaccines.
Research reveals that the population structure of feather lice matches that of Galápagos hawks across the archipelago, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship. This study provides evidence for the hypothesis of co-divergence between parasites and hosts as a major driver of biodiversity.
African parasites undergo significant shape changes during their life cycle, enabling adaptation to varying environments. Researchers found that adjusting a key protein's expression can trigger these transformations, allowing the parasites to survive and reproduce for multiple generations.
Drug-resistant malaria parasites have spread to critical border regions of Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to global malaria control efforts. The study found artemisinin resistance in several countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar, with signs of emerging resistance in other areas.
Artemisinin resistance has become widespread in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. A six-day course of artemisinin-based combination therapy proved highly effective in treating drug-resistant malaria cases.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potential target for malaria drug development by identifying a key protein involved in the parasite's protein secretion process. Disrupting this protein, heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), prevents the parasite from secreting its proteins into the red blood cell.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a novel test using Fourier Transform Infrared (FITR) spectroscopy to detect malaria parasites in blood. The technique uses an anti-tank Javelin missile detector to identify infected red blood cells, providing highly detailed information on a sample area in minutes.
Researchers have completed a comprehensive study on the role of protein phosphatases in malaria parasite development and differentiation. The study, published in Cell Host and Microbe, identifies 16 genes that are crucial for parasite growth and could be future drug targets.
Researchers found that Kellet's whelk hosts living beyond their historic Point Conception boundary have neither the amount nor diversity of parasites as those in southern counterparts. This suggests that the northern whelks may have escaped their parasites due to low host densities and limited parasite transmission.
Scientists have discovered a new pathogen, Trichomonas stableri, linked to recent mass die-offs of Pacific Coast band-tailed pigeons. The parasite, along with ancient species Trichomonas gallinae, causes severe lesions that can block the esophagus or trachea, leading to suffocation.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute developed a compound that blocks Plasmepsin V, a key enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. This breakthrough could lead to new antimalarial drugs effective against all species of malaria parasites.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a compound that blocks Plasmepsin V, a critical enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. The compound, WEHI-916, has shown promising results in killing malaria parasites and could lead to effective treatment of all species of the parasite.
Researchers found that malaria parasites manipulate host body odor to make infected individuals more attractive to hungry mosquitoes. Even after symptoms have subsided, the scent of infected mice remained elevated for life, suggesting a lifelong impact on the disease.
Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.
A 6200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg discovered in Syria's Tell Zeidan grave suggests ancient agricultural irrigation systems may have spread the disease. The find, dating back a thousand years earlier than previous discoveries, highlights how human technology can exacerbate disease burdens.
Researchers have decoded the whipworm's genetic and biological information, which provides a solid basis for developing new interventions. The study has identified molecules used for tunnelling and how the immune system responds to infection.
A new genetic 'barcode' for malaria parasites has been found, enabling the tracking and containment of disease spread. The barcode can identify the geographic origin of infections and monitor the spread of drug-resistant parasites.
Researchers discovered malaria-infected red blood cells exhibit altered motion patterns, affecting flow dynamics. This discovery may lead to better-targeted drug treatments for malaria.
A recent study found that tree bumblebee queens from Europe outcompeted native bees in the UK by resisting a parasite infection. Despite low genetic diversity and high levels of nematode parasites, 25% of queens produced offspring.
Scientists detect Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes in Austria, a parasite that attacks subcutaneous tissue of dogs and causes skin lumps. The parasite is also present in other European countries, and its spread into Austria is expected.
Researchers have discovered a protein essential for malaria-causing parasites to escape from red blood cells. Antibodies to this protein trap the parasite inside these cells, preventing its progression and potentially leading to a vaccine. The study found zero cases of severe malaria in children with antibodies to the protein.
Researchers have identified a substance, known as PfSEA-1, that generates antibodies which can hinder the ability of malaria parasites to multiply, potentially protecting against severe malaria infection. The antigen was associated with reduced parasite levels among children and adults in malaria-endemic areas, and mice exposed to PfSE...
A study by Deanna Soper and colleagues found that exposure to parasites increases mating behavior and promiscuity in New Zealand freshwater snails. This supports the Red Queen hypothesis, which suggests that sexual reproduction helps organisms adapt to a changing environment by increasing genetic diversity.
Researchers developed a single-cell genomics technique to study malaria parasites, allowing for comprehensive understanding of multiple genotype infections (MGI's) and their impact on disease progression. The findings could inform disease control interventions and reduce rates of infection and mortality.
Researchers have created a novel method for isolating and genome sequencing individual malaria parasite cells, allowing for a better understanding of the complex interactions between parasites and their hosts. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drug design and vaccine development, tackling the major global killer malaria.
A recent NIH-funded study tracked Tanzanian children's risk of severe malaria over time, finding no simple relationship between parasite density and disease severity. The research suggests that even mild episodes of malaria may pose a significant risk of severe illness, contrary to previous mathematical models.
Researchers discovered that Darwin's finches will weave insecticide-treated cotton into their nests, keeping them parasite-free. The treatment proved effective in reducing mortality rates among young finches, making it a promising tool for bird conservation on the Galápagos Islands.
Researchers found that children living in malaria-endemic regions mount an immune response to infection with malaria parasites, enabling them to partially control parasite growth and avoid repeated fever. This exposure-dependent control of inflammation may have evolved to protect young children from life-threatening illness.
Scientists confirm the mafia hypothesis, which suggests that birds cooperate with parasitic birds to avoid retaliation, increasing survival rates of parasites. Host birds must learn and adapt to reject foreign eggs, while parasites use their behavior to extort hosts.
Scientists investigated the malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton using high-resolution structural biology methods. They discovered two versions of actin protein with different structures and behaviors, which may contribute to designing tailored anti-malarial medication.
Scientists have discovered a way to combat malaria drug resistance by administering chloroquine twice daily. Researchers found that the parasite protein causing resistance has an Achilles' heel, rendering it vulnerable to repeated doses of the medication.
Researchers have discovered 10 new parasite species in Australian cuttlefish, revealing complex life cycles and infection patterns. The parasites' ability to reinfect hosts independently suggests a high degree of specificity, making them potential biological tags for assessing population structures.
A new research from the University of Southampton has identified a coral-eating flatworm as a potential threat to coral reefs. The researchers found that the small flatworm could cause significant damage to coral reefs due to its ability to mimic the appearance of its hosts.
A research team led by Karine Le Roch generated a 3D model of the human malaria parasite genome at three stages of its life cycle. The study revealed one major repression center for virulence genes, which could lead to new anti-malaria strategies by disrupting the parasite's genome architecture.
White-footed mice are 'super hosts' that transfer disease-causing pathogens to feeding ticks, yet appear indifferent to larval tick infestations. Research found that heavy tick burdens did not reduce mouse survival or overwintering success, and may even enhance their chances of survival.
Clemson University scientist Lesly Temesvari receives a $147,157 NIH grant to study the stress response in Entamoeba histolytica and potentially develop new therapeutic targets. The research aims to interrupt the parasite's survival mechanisms, which could lead to the discovery of new treatments for the disease.
Researchers led by Maria Belen Cassera aim to identify new drug targets for preventing malaria transmission by studying the metabolism of the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The project focuses on understanding the role of isoprenoids in early stages of gametocytogenesis.
New research by HHMI scientists shows that as temperatures rise in tropical regions, malaria can spread to populations at higher elevations previously unaffected. Without increased control measures, climate change will increase the burden of malaria, particularly in densely populated areas at higher elevations.
The A-PARADDISE consortium aims to develop new drugs against four parasites, including schistosomiasis and malaria, which cause over one million deaths annually. Researchers will use histone-modifying enzymes as a target for new treatments, with the goal of paving the way for clinical trials.
A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a new species of tapeworm in Mahal, an orangutan that died at age 5 due to a rare infection. The tapeworm, belonging to the Versteria genus, was found to be in its larval stage and infected nearly every organ in Mahal's body.
Researchers have discovered a key protein, AP2-G, essential for the development of male and female sexual forms of the malaria parasite. The protein triggers the production of gametocytes, which are infectious to mosquitos, offering clues for identifying transmission mechanisms.
A Penn-led study found Plasmodium vivax's origin in wild-living apes in central Africa, overturning the dogma that it originated in Asia. The parasite infects both gorillas and chimpanzees, with ape P. vivax exhibiting infection rates consistent with stable transmission within wild communities.
Substantial reductions in malaria transmission have been achieved across most of Africa, but 57% of the population still live in areas of moderate-to-high transmission intensity. High population growth rates and emerging resistance to insecticides threaten progress.