Articles tagged with Parasites
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.
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.
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 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.
Research finds that common honeybee diseases can infect and spread to wild bumblebees, potentially causing decline. The study suggests that managing honeybees is crucial for supporting wild bee populations and reducing the impact of emerging diseases.
Researchers have created a rapid, affordable diagnostic test for cryptosporidiosis using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technique. The test can detect the presence of even one parasite in a sample, with high accuracy rates, and requires minimal equipment.
A research team led by USF Health's Michael White and Elena Suvorova aims to identify new factors required for malaria-related parasites' growth. The study may lead to the development of new therapies against malaria, a deadly mosquito-borne disease.
Researchers have discovered Leishmania parasites reproduce sexually in wild sand flies, leading to a better understanding of the disease's spread. This breakthrough sheds light on how the parasite becomes genetically adapted for successful transmission by sand flies, resulting in human disease.
Researchers have designed compounds called quinine dimers that work against sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing severe malaria. These compounds bind to and block resistance-conferring proteins, resensitizing parasites to chloroquine and killing them.
Scientists at MIT have developed a strain of mice that mimics the human immune system, allowing them to study the interaction between the host and the malaria parasite. The research reveals that natural killer cells play a crucial role in controlling infection early on.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of a common form of malaria. The study reveals that the parasite attaches to red blood cells using a two-step process involving two copies of a parasite protein coming together like tongs around two copies of a host protein.
A new study by University of Warwick scientists recommends targeting 'superspreader' dogs responsible for the majority of leishmaniasis transmission to humans. By testing parasite loads in infected dogs, this approach could be more cost-effective and result in fewer unnecessary dog killings.
A new study compares the relative rate of molecular evolution between humans and chimps with that of their lice. The researchers found that the lice are winning the molecular evolutionary race, with almost 15 times more changes in gene sequence.
Researchers have identified a key protein, GCN5b, necessary for the Toxoplasma parasite to replicate, offering new targets for drug therapies. Disabling this complex halted parasite replication, suggesting its potential as a treatment for toxoplasmosis and malaria.
A new malaria vaccine candidate, Quadvax, has shown promise in overcoming major limitations of earlier designs. By combining AMA1 proteins from multiple strains, scientists have created a more broadly protective vaccine that elicits antibodies against both variable and conserved epitopes on the AMA1 protein.
Researchers have developed two compounds that disrupt an enzyme used by the parasite causing Chagas disease, showing greater cure rates than existing treatments. The new compounds have significant potential as a safe and effective treatment for this life-threatening illness.
Researchers analyzed 29 strains of the parasite and found that some South American or atypical North American strains provoke strong inflammation in infected cells, leading to tissue damage. The study suggests that host immune responses may be causing most of the damage rather than the parasite itself.
A team of researchers has discovered a way to identify malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites that are resistant to artemisinin, the key drug for treating this disease. The study found that parasites with a mutant version of the K13-propeller gene were more likely to survive exposure to artemisinin.
Scientists from NTU have discovered a key process during the Malaria parasite's invasion of red blood cells and developed antibodies that can interfere with this process. This breakthrough has the potential to lead to the development of a low-cost vaccine that could save millions of lives.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh made a groundbreaking discovery that could help combat the spread of sleeping sickness. By understanding how parasites communicate with each other, researchers may be able to develop new drugs to disrupt these messages and limit the disease's transmission.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a decline in the spread of snail fever in Africa, with up to 19% reduction in infectious areas. The parasite's host snails are expected to lose suitable habitats due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
The UCSF Global Health Group will conduct research on community-based strategies to identify and clear the last remaining malaria parasites in areas close to elimination. The goal is to determine risk factors associated with malaria transmission and explore effective interventions for high-risk groups.
Research by Manuel Soler and team found that magpie foster parents are more likely to feed cuckoo fledglings in nests with only cuckoos, compared to those with magpie nestlings. This ability allows magpies to discriminate between host and parasite chicks.
UC Riverside researchers have discovered low levels of DNA methylation in Plasmodium's genome, which may be critical to the survival of the parasite. This finding could lead to the development of a new drug to kill the deadly malaria parasite.
Researchers found that alien harlequin ladybirds are less likely to be parasitized by common wasps and flies than native UK species. The study supports the Enemy Release Hypothesis, suggesting that native predators and parasites may struggle to attack invasive species.
The RH5-basigin interaction is crucial for the invasion of red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The team found that this interaction allows P. falciparum to infect humans but not chimpanzees or gorillas, mirroring its known infection profile.
Scientists have identified a key metabolic enzyme used by Plasmodium species at each stage of infection, paving the way for more effective drugs and potentially eradicating malaria. The discovery could lead to radical cures and prevent infections, blocking transmission back to mosquitoes.
Researchers have identified phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K) as a potential malaria drug target, essential throughout the Plasmodium life cycle. Imidazopyrazines inhibit PI4K activity, blocking parasite development in both liver and bloodstream stages.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have identified a target molecule that can block Cryptosporidium parvum's ability to evade the immune system, providing a potential treatment for this deadly parasite. The discovery could lead to an effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis, which affects millions of people worldwide.
A team of scientists has identified the critical gene responsible for drug resistance in schistosome parasites. The finding could lead to improved therapies by redesigning the existing oxamniquine drug to target both major species, potentially saving millions of lives annually.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has provided the first explanation for type of antimalarial drug resistance. The research found a link between autophagy and resistance to malaria parasites, with implications for developing new antimalarial drug therapy.
Researchers found that house sparrows' immune cells become more attuned to finding dangerous parasites at the edge of their range in Kenya. This adaptation may help the birds thrive in new areas with novel pathogens. The study aims to understand what gives invasive species an edge, informing efforts to manage and eradicate them.
Researchers have discovered genetic mutations in Plasmodium vivax that may be causing a rise in infections among Duffy negative individuals. The mutations include a duplication of the Duffy binding protein and two new proteins that resemble those used by related malaria parasites to enter red blood cells.
Scientists discover genetic mechanisms allowing Plasmodium vivax parasite to invade red blood cells, potentially rendering Duffy-negative individuals susceptible to vivax malaria. The research suggests the parasite may be rapidly evolving, increasing the risk for millions of Africans who previously had natural protection.
A Phase 2 clinical trial in Bolivia found that experimental drug candidate E1224 showed good safety and efficacy in clearing the Chagas parasite, but had little sustained efficacy as a single medication. Standard therapy benznidazole was effective but associated with side effects.
Researchers have developed a method to drastically reduce the dose of Amphotericin B used to treat leishmaniasis, a disease affecting over 12 million people worldwide. The new approach improves efficacy by 83%, reduces toxicity, and significantly shortens treatment duration.
Scientists have developed a 3D filming technique that helps researchers understand how malaria parasites mate and spread the disease. The unique motion of malaria sperm, moving in an irregular corkscrew motion, has revealed new insights into prevention and control methods.
A 15-year study on P. vivax population genetics in South Korea found drastic genetic change occurred between 2002-2003, suggesting parasites were introduced from North Korea. This explains why South Korea was unable to eliminate vivax malaria for 20 years.
Researchers found that certain mice develop IRG proteins, a resistance mechanism that prevents the parasites from killing them. This balance between parasite virulence and host resistance allows the infected mice to survive long enough for the parasites to complete their cycle.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a combination of two drugs that can effectively treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The therapy uses cholesterol-lowering statin atorvastatin and osteoporosis medication zoledronic acid to block parasite replication and spread.
Scientists find that malaria and toxoplasmosis parasites can survive without AMA1 protein, but still attach to host cells. This discovery challenges current therapeutic strategies and suggests alternative approaches for improving treatments.
Researchers found that patients who relapse after leishmaniasis treatment are infected with more infectious parasite strains, which cause a greater parasite load and make treatment challenging.
Researchers uncover a wide variety of malaria parasites in West African bats, including those closely related to rodent-infecting pathogens. The study reveals two bat-infecting parasites that made evolutionary jumps from rodents into bats and then likely back again.
Researchers discovered that the Baoulé breed of cattle has a natural tolerance to a deadly parasite, and developed a method to detect different types of trypanosomes. The study aims to preserve the genetic background of the Baoulé breed to develop more resilient cattle breeds.
Researchers found that cuckoo finches with multiple eggs in a nest confuse host parents, making it harder to distinguish their own eggs from imposter eggs. This strategy combines with egg mimicry to increase reproductive success. The study highlights the cunning tactics of brood parasites like the cuckoo finch.
Chronic Toxoplasma infection causes mice to lose innate fear of cats, which persists even after parasite clearance and inflammation markers are undetectable. The infection alters the brain's mechanisms underlying fear responses, leading to a lasting behavioral change.