Articles tagged with Parasitic Diseases
A recent study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a concerning trend of ticks carrying multiple pathogens in the US Northeast. More than 1 in 10 nymphal ticks tested positive for at least two disease-causing pathogens, with co-infection rates approaching 11% for Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increase in co-infection...
Researchers have identified a unique protein named Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) essential for the malaria parasite's survival and transmission. Turning off ARK1 in the lab causes replication to fail, preventing disease progression and transmission.
A new study reveals that both non-native and native birds play a key role in the transmission of avian malaria, which has contributed to the extinction of over a dozen species of Hawaii's native birds. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and infects birds' red blood cells, leading to low blood oxygen levels and damage to organs.
A study by UC Riverside scientists reveals that the cysts of Toxoplasma gondii contain multiple distinct subtypes of parasites, each with different biological roles. This discovery offers new insights into how the parasite causes disease and why it has been difficult to treat.
A UTEP study has discovered a significant increase in parasitic infection rates among kissing bugs in the Borderlands, raising concerns about local transmission of Chagas disease. The research suggests that the disease is becoming an increasingly public health issue for the Southwest, affecting approximately 6 million people worldwide.
A new study found that Roman soldiers at Vindolanda fort near Hadrian's Wall were infected with intestinal parasites, including roundworms, whipworms, and Giardia duodenalis. This suggests inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, potentially leading to malnutrition and chronic infections.
A study found that a global pandemic is quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world, with populations nearing local extinction in the Canary Islands. The 2022-2023 mass mortality event affected the entire population of the species across the archipelago, causing a 74% decrease in La Palma and a 99.7% decrease in Tenerife.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen predicts that climate change could create more favorable conditions for malaria mosquitoes, exposing millions to increased risk of infection. The researchers warn that if left unchecked, this could put between 200 million and up to 1 billion people at additional risk.
A 15-member research team has gained insight into the DNA of the Northern root-knot nematode, a parasitic nematode that causes significant economic damage to many crops. The study reveals an unusual DNA repeat at the ends of its chromosomes, which may provide a clue to its ability to infect a wide range of plants.
A new study by Sightsavers and GLIDE has found that using worn socks with yeast-generated CO2 is as effective as traditional methods for catching blackflies that spread river blindness. The research could provide an alternative to 'human bait' and reduce the risk of disease transmission, offering communities long-term protection.
Researchers have created a model that can handle complex mosquito behavior and its impact on human diseases. The study reveals surprising findings, such as it may be better to let a mosquito bite you in terms of overall transmission.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have used artificial intelligence and citizen science to identify what may be the first specimen of Anopheles stephensi — an invasive and deadly malaria-carrying mosquito — ever detected in Madagascar. The study demonstrates how AI-powered image recognition and public participation can t...
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A University of Houston professor has received funding to develop effective treatments for Cryptosporidium infections, which cause severe diarrhea and have no existing cure. The team aims to design drugs that target the parasite's enzyme CDPK1 to minimize systemic exposure and maximize efficacy.
Researchers have discovered that the same beneficial bacteria occur in pollen stores of honeybee colonies and on nearby plants, producing compounds that kill pathogens of bees and plants. These endophytes can be used to develop new treatments for crops and hives.
Researchers discovered onnamides, a family of compounds from Okinawan marine sponges, showing remarkable potential against Leishmania major. These compounds demonstrate potency and safety exceeding current treatments, offering new approaches to overcome drug resistance.
A new review article highlights the need for effective control and prevention strategies for sexually transmitted gut infections, which can persist longer and be harder to treat. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community-level education and testing.
Researchers have successfully produced antibodies that kill the parasite carried by the 'kissing bug' that causes the potentially deadly Chagas disease. These antibodies target the parasite's infective stage and show neutralization rates exceeding 95%, making them a key step towards developing an effective vaccine.
A UCLA research team has discovered a key mechanism that allows parasitic worms to penetrate human skin and is now exploring a topical preparation to disrupt this pathway. The therapy aims to prevent infection by targeting the same molecule associated with pleasure in humans, but which drives parasite entry.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combining country-level information with individual-level variables can improve the identification of soil-transmitted helminth infections among migrant populations. Researchers found that country-level indicators are stronger predictors than individual-level variable...
Researchers discovered a new pathway to boost immunity against parasitic infections, suggesting that NSAIDs like ibuprofen could be repurposed as anti-parasitic treatments. Gasdermin C plays a crucial role in this process, targeting and penetrating Rab7-positive vesicles to reduce prostaglandin d2 levels.
Researchers found that azuki bean beetles infected with Wolbachia bacteria produce larger eggs yielding exclusively male offspring when exposed to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide. This adaptive reproduction strategy enhances the survivability of their offspring.
A new study found that over 30% of kissing bugs in Florida harbor the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. The researchers suggest preventative measures such as inspecting homes for entry points and removing wood piles to safeguard against transmission.
Researchers developed a new protocol to detect even low levels of T. cruzi parasites in patients, allowing for accurate monitoring of treatment outcomes and potentially leading to more effective drug treatments. The test was tested on human, macaque, and canine subjects, with promising results.
A UC Riverside study found that Toxoplasma gondii can significantly disrupt brain function by interfering with communication between brain cells. Infected neurons release fewer extracellular vesicles, which can lead to seizures, neural damage, or altered brain connectivity.
A new study found that heatwaves can increase disease burden by up to 13 times, driven by complex interactions between temperature attributes and baseline temperatures. This knowledge is crucial for predicting the impact of heatwaves on disease spread and highlights the need for more detailed models.
A study found that over 90% of popular freshwater game fish in Southern California contain invasive parasitic worms, which can cause gastrointestinal problems and other issues. Proper cooking or freezing fish before consumption kills the parasites, but chronic infection poses a greater health risk.
A genetic analysis reveals that human parasites do not recently interbreed with those that infect cattle, contrary to previous concerns. This finding has implications for controlling schistosomiasis, a disease affecting over 200 million people globally.
A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has discovered that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum can shut down a key set of genes to avoid detection by the immune system. This finding suggests that asymptomatic adults may harbor undetectable parasites, making it more challenging to eliminate malaria.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, nanotechnology-based praziquantel formulation that increases efficacy and reduces dosage for treating worms. The new formulation, requiring only half the usual dose, demonstrates greater efficacy in eliminating schistosomes than the active ingredient alone.
A clinical trial finds that moxidectin is more effective than current treatment ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis, a disease affecting millions in Africa. Moxidectin has a persistent effect and may require fewer rounds of treatment, potentially accelerating its elimination.
A mysterious parasite is devastating fish farms globally, causing £50 million in losses annually. Researchers have discovered a new gene regulation process that could lead to the development of gene-based vaccines.
A study co-authored by an Iowa State University professor identified a single protein that triggers chemical signals called effectors in cyst nematodes, which hijack plant cells. Disrupting this protein could severely reduce nematode infections, making it a powerful method for reducing crop damage.
New research by a University of Virginia biologist aims to explore how organisms evolve to avoid parasites and the importance of movement in defending against infection. The study focuses on nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and challenges traditional focus on the immune system as the best defense strategy.
Researchers have discovered a new probiotic bacterial strain that is 15% more effective in treating giardiasis than the existing strain. The strain, Lactobacillus johnsonii CNCM I-4884, has significant anti-Giardia activity and can transform conjugated bile salts into toxic compounds for the parasite.
A study from the University of Georgia used museum specimens to track the spread of Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, a parasite affecting millions of monarchs during their annual migration. The research found evidence of infection in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with limited species affected.
Researchers found the UBeeO test can identify colonies resistant to several pests and pathogens that can decimate bee populations. The test mimics the pheromones emitted by sick or dying bees, allowing for a more selective and realistic assessment of hygienic behavior in honey bees.
New study finds park entrances in Dublin, Ireland, to be heavily contaminated with infective Toxocara canis eggs, posing a risk of zoonotic infection. The researchers call for increased measures to prevent dog feces disposal at these locations.
UTEP researchers have developed a new diagnostic method that significantly enhances the sensitivity of parasite detection in blood samples, making it a more reliable indicator of parasites in the blood. The method uses magnetic beads to extract parasitic DNA from blood samples, outperforming traditional silica columns.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have discovered a key process where malarial parasites take up human blood cell enzymes, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment. The findings suggest that a human enzyme, acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH), is the major activating enzyme of multiple antimalarial prodrugs.
Researchers have identified novel mosquito repellents with high success rates from natural sources, including food and flavoring materials. The team's machine learning-based cheminformatics approach also pinpointed pyrethroid analogs up to 100 times more effective than existing industry standards.
Researchers used advanced molecular tools to survey health status of endangered Indiana bats, identifying microbiome changes resulting from parasitic infections. The analysis revealed that bats with high loads of a protozoan parasite had a corresponding proliferation of certain bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Liège uncover a mechanism regulating the immune response against parasites, where virtual memory T cells express CD22 to prevent excessive inflammation. This discovery opens new perspectives on controlling immune responses and mitigating autoimmune diseases.
A deadly ciliate parasite has decimated sea urchin populations in the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, with mortality rates reaching over 90%. The International team of researchers is working to track the disease and preserve sea urchins, which play a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health.
Children with severe malaria are at risk of serious health complications, higher mortality rates, and long-term cognitive impairment due to elevated uric acid levels. The study suggests that lowering uric acid may reduce hospital deaths and improve treatment strategies.
Researchers investigate how sex-specific immune responses affect disease outcomes in obesity and helminth infections, aiming to develop new treatments for metabolic disorders and parasitic infections. The study focuses on macrophage-eosinophil interactions and the role of RELMalpha protein.
Researchers discovered that skin-penetrating nematodes, like Strongyloides stercoralis, interact with human hosts through CO2-sensing pathways. The study found that infective larvae are repelled by CO2, while noninfective larvae and adults have a neutral reaction.
The review highlights seven zoonotic infections in people, including those transmitted through traditional diets and hunting practices. Climate change is affecting the local ecosystem, altering animal behavior and parasite life cycles, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
A new tablet combining albendazole and ivermectin is safe and more effective than albendazole alone in treating Trichuris trichiura and other soil-transmitted helminths. The ALIVE clinical trial showed higher cure rates for T. trichiura, hookworms, and improved egg reduction rates compared to albendazole alone.
Researchers have discovered that climate change and tsetse fly control measures can drive molecular changes in African trypanosomes, enabling them to infect animals without flies. New strains with reduced life cycles have been detected in Asia, South America, and southern Europe.
Researchers found that Toxoplasma gondii parasites lacking the protein MYR1 can survive and proliferate when co-infected with normal parasites, thanks to supportive secreted proteins. This study highlights a limitation of pooled CRISPR screens in studying parasite biology in live hosts.
Climate change is enabling invasive tick species to establish themselves in new areas via migrating birds, potentially spreading novel tick-borne pathogens. The study found that some bird species carried more ticks than others, with certain bacteria types associated with specific tick species.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
Research shows that animals, including humans, can become less sociable as they age to avoid diseases and parasites. This phenomenon, known as social ageing, may bring benefits, such as reduced competition and increased safety.
Researchers from Penn Vet discovered that a species of parasitic worms can evade the mammalian urge to scratch an itch by blocking the sensation, allowing it to enter the body undetected. The study found that activating specific neurons can block the entry of these parasites, preventing their dissemination through the body.
A new parasite, Pachysentis canicola, has been discovered on the Channel Island fox, causing severe intestinal damage and inflammation in infected individuals. The study highlights the importance of biosecurity in the Channel Islands National Park and underscores the impact of human activity on isolated ecosystems.
Histomonosis, a deadly parasite that decimates turkey flocks, is being studied for its transmission routes and potential treatments. Researchers aim to understand how the parasite survives and spreads, with a focus on fecal-oral transmission via contaminated feces or cecal droppings.
Researchers at IOCB Prague successfully isolated the proteasome enzyme complex of the T. vaginalis parasite, enabling them to develop new medicines that can target this parasite without harming humans. This breakthrough has critical implications for treating trichomoniasis and reducing HIV risk.
A new study found that babesiosis rates rose 9% annually between 2015 and 2022, with 42% of cases linked to other tick-borne illnesses. Co-infection with Lyme disease did not increase mortality risk, but patients received doxycycline treatment more frequently.
A new study published in Journal of Biogeography finds that malaria-like blood parasites increase in prevalence with the number of bird species present, highlighting the importance of host diversity. The research also shows that parasites can spread more rapidly when they specialize in closely related or functionally similar bird species.