Articles tagged with Parasitic Diseases
Researchers at the Batista Lab have identified a gap in current malaria vaccines, which only target one region of the parasite. Adding short peptides to these regions can broaden the immune response and improve protection.
A pioneering study will examine the role of human-dog interactions in spreading hydatid disease, a parasite that poses risks to livestock welfare and human health. The research aims to identify practical strategies to reduce zoonotic transmission by analyzing canine movement patterns and diet.
Researchers at UC Riverside are developing new treatments for malaria and babesiosis using naturally occurring compounds, including leelamine-derived isonitriles and pyrroloiminoquinones. The goal is to create oral treatments that can interrupt transmission of the parasites.
A tapeworm alters ants' biology in a targeted way, making workers live longer and less active. The parasite taps into existing signaling pathways, shifting them to promote its own survival.
Researchers are investigating Leishmania parasite to build foundational knowledge concerning leishmaniasis. They will look for commonalities between mammalian cells and the parasite's unicellular eukaryotic structure.
Researchers found that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines effectively protected Schistosoma-infected mice against SARS-CoV-2, with strong spike-specific antibody responses and CD4 T-cell immunity. The findings suggest that chronic helminth infection does not necessarily compromise vaccine-induced protection.
A recent study found that over half of NYC's free-roaming cats are infected with zoonotic parasites. Young male cats, in particular, act as 'super-shedders' of roundworm (Toxocara) eggs, posing public health risks.
Researchers have created an affordable and highly effective mosquito repellent distilled from locally grown catnip plants, comparable to DEET-based products. The nepetalactone-based lotion has been shown to repel mosquitoes responsible for malaria transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new evolutionary theory proposes that asexual parasites can temporarily infect a wider range of hosts as harmful genetic mutations build up. This process, known as Ratchet-Driven Generalism, may make the parasite less specialized and more adaptable. However, it may also ultimately reduce fitness and increase extinction risk.
Researchers at UT San Antonio develop non-toxic biologic to prevent Lyme disease transmission. The treatment targets small mammals and birds, reducing bacterial loads in ticks, and may soon be available for residential use.
A global study confirms mosquito nets reduce malaria cases by up to 68%, but highlights regional variations and the need for locally adapted control strategies. The researchers warn that relying on ITNs alone may not be enough, especially in areas with established insecticide resistance.
Researchers surveyed 7 pathogens in wild native snakes, finding Ophidiomyces and Raillietiella orientalis as most important infectious agents. Rattlesnakes are most likely to host these pathogens, with increased risks of ophidiomycosis and parasitic lung infection.
Climate change is driving disease emergence in Canada by affecting survival and geographic distributions of pathogens, vectors, and animal reservoir hosts. Physicians should be aware of climate-sensitive diseases and advise patients to take precautions.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that over one in four pediatric patients treated for malaria in the US had a delay in diagnosis, leading to more severe infection and longer hospital stays. The study emphasized the need for prompt diagnosis and prevention of imported cases to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified PEG400 as a potential antimalarial therapy by targeting the malaria parasite's enzyme Falcipain-2. This study offers hope for selective and cumulative benefits in reducing malaria treatment challenges.
A phase 2 human clinical trial of a hookworm antigen has shown effective in limiting the intensity of infection, paving the way for a vaccine. The study found that vaccination with Na-GST-1 reduced the severity of infection in participants.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that over 70% of Leishmania parasite isolates showed evidence of genetic mixing, indicating sexual reproduction and hybridization play a major role in their evolution. This challenges longstanding assumptions about the reproduction mechanisms of these parasi...
A team from The University of Osaka has identified the MIC11 gene as essential for parasite egress, disrupting the parasite life cycle. This finding could guide the development of novel treatments for parasite-borne diseases.
A disease-causing tapeworm has been detected in Washington coyotes, which can spread to domestic dogs and humans if ingested through contaminated food or feces. The parasite's life cycle involves multiple hosts, including rodents and other canid species, making it a public health threat.
Researchers found that trematode parasites are more abundant in cooler temperate waters, defying the typical pattern of higher biodiversity near the equator. Temperature and host mobility play a major role in shaping parasite distributions, with certain species thriving in areas where hosts can tolerate infections better.
A multicenter study found that red blood cell exchange transfusion significantly improves clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with severe babesiosis, a potentially life-threatening tick-borne infection. The procedure was associated with substantially lower risk of in-hospital death or readmission.
Researchers at the University of York have discovered a protein that allows the African trypanosome parasite to evade detection by destroying specific parts of its genetic instructions. This breakthrough provides new vulnerabilities for future treatments and could revolutionize our understanding of infection.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes are evolving to evade insecticides, threatening malaria control efforts in South America. The study sequenced complete genomes of over 1,000 mosquitoes across six countries and identified resistance-related genes.
Researchers at Adelaide University have discovered a new gut–brain signalling pathway that governs how parasitic infections lead to nausea, appetite loss and other sickness symptoms. The study shows two specialised gut cell types work together to sense parasites and activate protective responses through the vagus nerve.
The inaugural US-based Chagas disease conference will strengthen research and patient care efforts in the US, building on recognition of the disease as a national concern. Approximately 300,000 Americans are infected with Chagas disease, and improved surveillance, testing, and research can help address severe heart complications.
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.