Articles tagged with Parasites
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Researchers at Australian National University create a new method to treat deadly diseases caused by parasites, including malaria, by attaching drugs to cholesterol. The method could lead to more effective and longer-lasting treatments, as well as implications for the agricultural industry.
Researchers genetically engineered Toxoplasma gondii to produce and release therapeutic proteins in the human brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The method has potential implications for treating diseases caused by protein deficiencies or abnormal expression.
A species of freshwater flatworm has been found to produce sterile soldiers that defend its colonies without reproduction. The discovery is significant as it sheds light on the evolution of complex animal societies.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully treated a newly discovered parasitic copepod species that was killing squid eggs. The eco-friendly treatment uses peracetic acid to kill the parasites in under two minutes, with zero effect on squids or their generations.
A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.
New research reveals oyster sanctuaries contain more abundant populations of oysters and other animal life, despite the presence of parasites. The study found that these areas support higher oyster densities and habitat quality than nearby harvest sites.
Researchers analyzed blood plasma samples from 110 patients infected with Plasmodium vivax to understand how metabolisms were affected during initial episodes versus recurrent cases. The study found that patients with recurrence exhibited modulation in lipid pathways involved in immune system production, while those with first-episode ...
A new group of parasites, ichthyocolids, have been discovered in many marine fish species around the world, according to a recent study published in Current Biology. The parasite is widespread and has been found in all oceans, with potential implications for commercial fishing and oceanic food webs.
Researchers have identified the spleen as a critical organ in cryptic malaria infections, where over 95% of Plasmodium vivax biomass is stored. Extracellular vesicles facilitate the parasite's adherence to spleen cells, enabling its survival and evasion of immune responses.
Researchers reconstructed ancient genomes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites to study their worldwide spread. The analysis revealed that European colonizers introduced P. vivax to the Americas, while military activities in Europe facilitated the spread of P. falciparum.
Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered a new RNA virus, Apocryptovirus odysseus, associated with severe inflammation in humans infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The virus is found in two hypervirulent strains of the parasite, exacerbating toxoplasmosis disease and triggering an immune response.
A new, inexpensive test detects Toxoplasma gondii infections within 30 minutes and identifies false positives in commercial diagnostic tests. The test provides rapid results for pregnant women, facilitating timely interventions to protect fetuses against toxoplasmosis.
Researchers have found that a parasitic worm, Eleaophora schneideri, is likely contributing to the decline of moose populations in some regions. The study found microfilariae scattered throughout the brains of infected animals, leading to potential increased morbidity and mortality.
Researchers have mapped the critical developmental stages of malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum using single-cell RNA sequencing. This high-resolution approach reveals new insights into the life stages of the parasite, including its transformation from an asexual to sexual state.
Researchers have found that temperature can affect mosquito longevity, infection time, and disease transmission. The study suggests that climate warming may increase malaria transmission in some areas but reduce it in others.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London developed a novel analysis to explore the impact of parasite virulence and infection probability on species coexistence in a complex system. The study found that stochasticity plays a significant role in determining whether species coexist or go extinct.
A parasitic wasp has evolved to perfectly target a common fruit fly pest, demonstrating key principles of ecologically driven evolution. The Trichopria drosophilae wasp overcomes the pest's defenses by producing venom and specialized cells that speed up digestion and increase nutrition for its young.
A new study reveals that corallicolids, thought to be only associated with tropical coral reefs, have been found in a variety of creatures in cold marine ecosystems along the Northeast Pacific. The discovery greatly expands our understanding of microbial biodiversity and highlights significant blind spots in current sampling approaches.
A study analyzing canned salmon from 1979 to 2021 found stable anisakid worm levels in coho and sockeye salmon, while pink and chum salmon showed a rise. This suggests that the marine food web has adapted to changing conditions, with rising parasite levels indicating potential ecosystem shifts.
A recent study has identified a key component of the malaria parasite's invasion mechanism, revealing that it binds to a specific sugar called sialic acid on red blood cell surfaces. This discovery provides new insights into the parasite's adaptation to humans and offers potential targets for vaccine and drug development.
A study by Washington State University found that cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at high risk of experiencing serious adverse effects from products containing eprinomectin. Cats without this mutation appear safe when using these products, but many cases of severe reactions have been reported.
A potentially fatal parasite has been discovered in the Colorado River in California, affecting dogs and causing liver and intestinal illness. Researchers confirm the presence of Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm that can be transmitted through snails and water, highlighting the need for awareness and precautions among dog owners.
Researchers identified a mechanism of 'copy-paste' genetics in Plasmodium falciparum that increases genetic diversity of surface proteins, potentially evading the human immune system. This discovery offers valuable insights for vaccine design and could help inform new approaches to preventing malaria.
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel technique using lipid nanoparticles to administer lupeol, killing Leishmania protozoan parasites. The therapy eliminated parasites from organs in animal tests, reducing spleen and liver parasite numbers by 99.9% with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown overcame economic barriers by raising pigs and distributing pork, a practice similar to traditional South China pig husbandry. The study analyzed dental calculus on pig teeth, revealing rice as the primary food source.
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have identified 898 RNA-dependent proteins in the deadliest human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. These findings could lead to novel therapeutic targets against malaria and highlight the importance of RNAs in biological pathways in the parasite.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that blocking two enzymes in the malaria parasite prevents it from growing, offering a potential new way to fight the disease. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used an in vitro culture dish and discovered compounds that can inhibit parasitic growth.
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered a tiny worm species that can control crop pests in warm, humid environments. The new Steinernema adamsi nematode is nearly invisible and can kill insects with a low dose, making it a potential alternative to pesticides.
A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.
A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe concludes that even people with the protective Duffy-silent blood type can still become infected with malaria. The research suggests that the parasite may have found alternative ways to infect red blood cells, raising questions about how to combat this type of malaria.
Researchers discovered that dietary indoles, such as those found in broccoli, can activate the immune system to fight off Cryptosporidium infection. This protection was seen in mice, including those with weakened immune systems and newborns, suggesting a potential way to prevent recurring infections in children.
Researchers analyzed leishmaniasis lesions on mouse skin to detect metabolic signaling pathways that differed from uninfected mice. They found pathways with pain-relief properties tied to the brain's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a host of physiological processes, including the pain response.
The Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi is spreading drug and diagnostic resistant malaria in Africa, increasing the risk of malaria infections by 270%. Its unique ecology and resistance to insecticides make it challenging for conventional mosquito control tools.
A new study analyzing lice genetic diversity found that head lice arrived in the Americas twice – once with early human migrants and again during European colonization. This discovery supports existing theories on human migration and provides insights into how lice have evolved alongside humans.
Researchers developed a PCR test that accurately identifies the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected disease affecting Brazil and Latin America. The test can detect co-infection by both Leishmania infantum and Crithidia, with infection by Crithidia more frequent than previously thought.
Researchers discovered a malaria protein, PfAP2-P, that plays a key regulatory role in immune evasion and parasite development. This protein acts as an activator of proteins required for the parasite to exit infected red blood cells and invade new ones.
Researchers discovered that parasites like horsehair worms use stolen genes to control host behavior. They found over 3,000 genes expressed more in manipulated hosts, suggesting the parasite produces its own proteins for manipulating nervous systems.
A new study by Duke University researchers has found endemic malaria in Turkana County, Kenya, with a significant incidence of Plasmodium vivax, a parasite historically rare in sub-Saharan Africa. The presence of invasive mosquito species Anopheles stephensi also poses challenges to the continent's malaria control efforts.
A study found that the host's immune response to Trypanosoma brucei infection triggers lipolysis, leading to weight loss and a protective effect against disease progression. This discovery opens up new treatment strategies targeting the infection in adipose tissue.
A systematic review by ISGlobal found that malaria parasite prevalence is highest in migrants from the Sub-Saharan region, particularly those from Central Africa. The study included 23 studies with a total of 4,203 participants tested for malaria parasites.
Researchers discovered Leishmania parasites in blood-related stem cells of chronically infected mice, challenging the textbook understanding of the disease. The finding may lead to new treatment options and improve our understanding of why some people develop visceral leishmaniasis despite having immune disorders.
In Eritrea, a new artemisinin-resistant variant has been detected, accompanied by gene deletions that render rapid diagnostic tests ineffective. This emergence poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Balanophora and Sapria have lost 38% and 28% of their genomes respectively, evolving into holoparasites with record shrinkages. The parasites shed genes related to photosynthesis, root development, and stress responses, retaining only essential genes.
Researchers have discovered 16 new species of Loboscelidia parasitoid wasps in Vietnam, increasing the global total by 30%. The new species exhibit unique egg-burying behavior similar to solitary hunting wasps.
Researchers discovered that the lancet liver fluke takes over an ant's brain, causing them to cling to blades of grass against their will. The parasite controls the ant's behavior to avoid heat, a strategy also used by cattle and deer.
Philip Low, a Purdue University researcher, is working on validating a previously successful malaria treatment by reducing the number of days required for therapy. His goal is to prevent drug-resistant strains from proliferating and save lives in developing countries.
Scientists have detected new strains of malaria-causing parasites in Ethiopia that are resistant to current treatments and escape detection by common diagnostic tests. The prevalence of these double-resistant parasites is a concern for malaria control and elimination efforts in Africa, where the disease remains endemic.
Researchers argue that considering an animal's entire 'parasitome' is crucial for understanding its place in the food chain. By analyzing stable isotopes, scientists can determine who is eating whom and how parasites affect behavior and metabolism.
Researchers found that infected individuals with multiple strains of the T. cruzi parasite were better able to control the disease, while those with a progressive form had fewer strains. This discovery provides a new framework for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
Scientists have established the effectiveness of vaccines against leishmaniasis in animal studies, revealing specific molecular-level changes in host cells. The vaccines, created using mutated parasites, prompt distinct immune responses in hosts, offering new insights into their mechanisms and potential applications.
Scientists have identified specific long noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and life cycle progression of the deadly Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies against malaria.
UC researchers investigate signaling pathway of Trypanosoma cruzi to transform and reproduce, aiming to find better drug targets to kill the parasite. The study reveals crucial proteins involved in the parasite's survival and transmission, highlighting potential strategies for disease control.
A new study reveals how a parasitic worm turns amphipods bright orange and manipulates their behavior to ensure its own transmission. Researchers discovered that trematode infection activates genes related to pigmentation and detection, while suppressing immune responses.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that current methods for measuring malaria parasite multiplication rates vastly overestimate the actual rates, which has significant implications for vaccine efficacy and understanding of drug resistance.
A new malaria vaccine candidate has shown promising results in a cohort of Tanzanian infants, with substantial anti-RH5 immune responses achieved safely through vaccination. The vaccine targets the RH5 protein used by the malaria pathogen to invade red blood cells, providing a second line of defense against disease.
A study published in PLOS ONE has discovered parasite eggs in a 200-million-year-old coprolite from Thailand, providing insight into the life of an ancient aquatic predator. The discovery is significant, as it is one of only a few known examples of nematode eggs preserved within the coprolites of Mesozoic animals.
Research by the Peter Doherty Institute found that inflammation alters plasma composition, hindering parasite maturation. This work reveals a new mechanism slowing down malaria parasite development in the bloodstream.
Researchers from Leicester and Nottingham universities have received £600,000 funding to study sexual development and gene shuffling in the malaria parasite. The study aims to uncover new targets for therapies to control disease transmission.
Removing nuisance aquatic vegetation from waterways reduces parasitic infection prevalence by up to 124%, while generating feed and compost for local farmers. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for schistosomiasis endemic areas, with implications for global health.
A recent study by Dr. Monica Mowery at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that urban habitats provide a safe haven for invasive brown widow spiders, protecting them from parasitism and predation. This allows the species to thrive in high densities, contrary to what is observed in natural desert habitats.