Articles tagged with Parasitic Diseases
The genome sequencing of Clonorchis sinensis reveals that it lacks enzymes required for fatty acid biosynthesis, unlike other liver flukes. This discovery provides insight into the parasite's complex lifestyle and may lead to new ways of controlling diseases caused by this parasite.
The Peggy Lillis Memorial Foundation honors Dr. Sherwood Gorbach for his pioneering research and efforts to combat Clostridium difficile infection, a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. The award recognizes his contributions to increasing prevention and minimizing death and disability from C. diff.
Researchers identify a molecular process by which human cells can neutralize toxins released by Clostridium difficile, offering a promising new treatment for intestinal disease. The discovery could also be applied to other bacterial diseases and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that Toxoplasma-infected male rats exhibit altered brain activity in response to cat urine, suggesting a manipulation of fear and attraction pathways. The parasite benefits from this alteration, as infected rats become less fearful and more drawn to cats.
A new study has revealed that Trichomonas vaginalis is more than twice as common in women aged 40 and older, with 13% of women in this age group infected. The infection can lead to severe health problems if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease and premature labor.
Researchers found that sexual reproduction via cross-fertilization keeps host populations one evolutionary step ahead of coevolving parasites. This allows parents to produce offspring resistant to the parasites, while self-fertilization leads to extinction.
A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science researchers suggests that disease-resistant oysters are thriving in the high-salinity areas of Chesapeake Bay, where MSX and Dermo parasites thrive. Restoration efforts should focus on these areas to increase resistance, rather than low-salinity refugia.
Researchers found that Daphnia's defense against predators makes it more vulnerable to a virulent yeast parasite, Metschnikowia. The study suggests that increasing predator densities may not be the best solution to control disease as it can lead to increased susceptibility to other parasites.
A DNA-based test can identify whether a cryptosporidium is of mammalian or snake origin, with prevalence figures revealing widespread infection in popular pets like corn snakes and leopard geckos. Reptile owners must be aware of the risk of cross-species infection and the importance of regular testing to prevent the spread of disease.
A study on ancient Egyptian mummies reveals that Princess Ahmose-Meryet-Amon had atherosclerosis in two of her three main coronary arteries, which would have required by-pass surgery. The findings contradict the common perception that atherosclerosis is a disease of modern lifestyle.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a key component of human and animal gut mucus that is toxic to parasitic worms, which cause up to 1 billion deaths and illnesses globally. The discovery may lead to new treatments for chronic worm infections and help identify who is susceptible to parasitic worms.
Researchers found that the parasite balances infection and spread through careful form transformation. The study provides fresh insight into the parasite's survival strategy, which could lead to new treatment approaches.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have decoded the genome of Trichinella spiralis, a parasite that causes trichinosis, identifying unique features and novel genes that could lead to effective treatments. The study has implications for understanding parasitic diseases worldwide.
Researchers found that long-distance migrations can reduce the spread of infectious diseases in some species by allowing them to escape parasite-laden habitats. This process also helps eliminate virulent disease strains from populations.
Converting hospital ICUs to private rooms significantly reduces patient-acquired infections, including a 54% decrease in combined MRSA, VRE, and C difficile infections. The average ICU length of stay also decreases by an estimated 10% after transitioning to private rooms.
The study found that a specific protein called GRA15 triggers inflammation in the host, leading to brain damage. Researchers hope to develop new drugs or vaccines to block this process and prevent chronic infections.
Hospitalized children in the US are experiencing a rise in Clostridium difficile infections, with increased risks of death, longer hospital stays and colectomy. Certain groups, such as white children and those with private insurance, are more susceptible to infection.
Researchers discover that infection with Trichuris trichiura eggs increases mucus production in the colon, providing symptomatic relief from ulcerative colitis. The study identifies a shift from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory immune cells, paving the way for potential helminth therapy.
A new drug treatment, tribendimidine, has shown promising activity against Opisthorchis viverrini infection, with a cure rate of 70% and almost complete egg elimination. The study suggests that tribendimidine is as safe and effective as the current standard treatment, praziquantel.
Researchers found a 65% increased incidence of C difficile associated diarrhea among proton pump inhibitor users. The introduction of National Hospital Quality Measures also led to an increase in antibiotic use, contributing to rising C difficile rates.
Researchers at Emory University found that monarch butterfly females prefer milkweed plants with high levels of cardenolides to lay eggs on, reducing parasite infection in their offspring. This behavior is thought to be a form of self-medication, and the study's findings may have implications for human health.
Researchers discover that CD4+ T cells release interleukin-21, instructing B cells to produce antibodies targeting helminth-derived products. This signaling pathway is specific to worm infections and may hold key to treating diseases like asthma and allergies.
Researchers have successfully tested a potential vaccine against Ichthyophthirius, a parasitic disease causing significant losses in commercial fish farming and home aquarium hobbyists. The study showed that vaccination with live Ich theronts stimulated production of protective antibodies in channel catfish.
Researchers have found that African trypanosomes avoid human immune systems by mutating surface protein receptors, reducing TLF-1 uptake. This discovery may lead to the development of new therapies against the disease-causing parasites.
Researchers have made progress on a vaccine for Ich, a parasitic disease that causes significant losses in commercial fish farms and home aquarium hobbyists. The study found that vaccination with live Ich theronts and trophonts stimulated production of protective antibodies in channel catfish.
A new molecular technique can detect Anisakis larvae in all types of fish, including processed products, using high specificity and sensitivity. This method offers a quick and effective solution for seafood inspection, replacing traditional visual examination and digestion methods.
Researchers discovered how the parasite survives in a fly's gut, triggering an enzyme response that adapts its body. This reaction has a corresponding part in human cells, potentially leading to greater understanding of inherited diseases like Zellweger syndrome.
A rare parasitic infection called paragonimiasis has been diagnosed in six people who ate raw crayfish from Missouri streams, according to Washington University School of Medicine. The infection causes fever, cough, chest pain, and fatigue, but is easily treated with an oral drug, praziquantel.
A recent study published in the journal Surgery found that mechanical bowel preparations (MBPs) do not reduce perioperative infectious complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 patients and concluded that MBPs have no clinical benefit for this procedure.
Researchers have generated a high-quality draft genome sequence for the strain of T. brucei responsible for human African trypanomiasis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. The study found that the parasite's ability to infect humans is linked to subtle genetic differences, including changes in VSG genes.
Researchers have identified the shape of a protein molecule at various stages as it breaks down sugar to produce energy, offering insights into how cells regulate their activities. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sleeping sickness.
A new study reveals that Clostridium difficile infections are now surpassing MRSA infections in community hospitals, increasing the risk of life-threatening diarrhea and colon inflammation.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious Diseases Society of America have released new clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults. The guidelines update recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control measures to address changes in epidemiology and disease severity.
The study found that daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces with a spore-killing bleach disinfectant wipe significantly reduced C. difficile infections in two high-incidence units. The team aimed to reduce hospital-acquired cases to over 20 days between infections but achieved an impressive 137-day streak without a single infection.
Researchers at Penn identified a previously unidentified cell population, termed multipotent progenitor cells, which may be the body's double-edged sword, fighting off parasitic infections but also causing harmful immune responses. This discovery may lead to new targets for treatment of infection and allergic inflammation.
A new vaccine for liver fluke is being developed through a £1 million international research effort led by Queen's University Belfast. The parasite causes significant losses in the livestock industry, resulting in billions of pounds in economic losses each year. Scientists will work with partners in India and Wales to uncover an effect...
Researchers at Brigham Young University have identified genetic mechanisms behind the loss of deadliness in lab-raised nematode worms, which are used as a natural insecticide. The study's findings also shed light on how to defeat parasites that harm beneficial plants and animals, and could lead to new targets for pharmaceuticals.
A recent study suggests that a protozoan parasite may have contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs. The parasite, which infects birds and eats away at their jawbones, could have been transmitted through head biting among dinosaurs. The similarity between fossilized jawbones and modern-day samples supports this theory.
A recent study published in the journal Transfusion found a significant increase in transfusion-transmitted babesiosis cases in Rhode Island, highlighting the need for better screening tests. The research suggests that blood donors from areas with high prevalence rates should be subject to more rigorous screening protocols.
A £1 million research project will investigate the decline of honeybees, exploring how disease and food supply affect bee survival in farmed landscapes. The team aims to build a predictive model to improve honeybee health and mitigate the impact on food security.
Researchers have developed genetically modified pea seeds that produce antibodies against coccidiosis, reducing treatment costs and making it easier to use in commercial settings. The study found that chickens fed these antibody-containing pea seeds were significantly less likely to contract the disease.
Fish populations are being increasingly affected by emerging diseases, exacerbated by climate change and other stresses. As a result, population fluctuations, extinction, reduced health, and increased susceptibility to predation are expected, according to Dr. Jim Winton of the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center.
Researchers found that inhibiting Nox4 substantially inhibits hemangioma growth in a mouse model, while transplantation of cardiac progenitor cells improves heart function after myocardial infarction. Additionally, IL-17 and IL-22 play a crucial role in protecting individuals from developing kala azar, a lethal parasite disease.
Researchers discovered that variation in the same gene affects disease resistance in both humans and baboons, with 60% of Amboseli baboons infected with a malaria-like parasite. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of differences in vulnerability to infection.
UT Southwestern researchers accelerate efforts to eradicate worm infections by targeting a biochemical system that controls development and reproduction in parasitic nematodes. The compound dafachronic acid sends signals for the worms to mature from infective to feeding stages, making hosts sick.
Researchers have discovered that fish can harbour and spread PKD, a debilitating condition causing severe inflammation of the kidneys. The discovery paves the way for effective control measures against the disease, which has devastated the UK's fish farming industry.
Research found that parasitic infection reduces immunity to future cholera infections and compromises vaccine effectiveness. Helminth-infected patients had lower IgA antibodies, indicating a weakened immune system.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that wet combing is more accurate than visual inspection for identifying active head lice infestations. The method correctly identified 90.5% of cases, while visual inspection only detected 28.6%. This finding has implications for the diagnosis and management of pediculosis capitis.
Researchers at Caltech found that Caenorhabditis elegans worms respond rapidly to better conditions and develop optimistic genetic strategies. The worms' quick response is controlled by a vital cellular protein called RNA Polymerase II, which accumulates on genes involved in growth and energy metabolism.
Experts from Queen's University are in India to advise on reducing parasitic infections that destroy plants and animals, costing the world economy $200 billion annually. The delegation will share their expertise on managing drug resistance in livestock and promoting modern agricultural practices.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have imaged the body's immune response to a parasitic infection in the brain for the first time. The findings provide unexpected insights into how immune cells are regulated in the brain and have implications for treating inflammatory conditions.
Researchers study how Toxoplasma gondii infects mice and finds that infected cells fuse with endoplasmic reticulum to present parasitic peptides. This process, called cross-presentation, helps the parasite evade immune detection.
Research reveals that California sea otters living in coastal areas with limited resources are more susceptible to diseases caused by parasites. The study found that diet diversity among individual otters can lead to higher infection rates, highlighting the importance of habitat quality for maintaining healthy populations.
Researchers found that nematodes disrupt plant PIN proteins and activate others to create 'feeding sites' where plants produce food for the worms. This discovery could lead to ways to thwart these parasites in crops.
A newly discovered species of microsporidia infects the roundworm C. elegans, providing a powerful system to study these mysterious microbes and develop new drugs. This discovery has the potential to identify new treatments for human microsporidian infections.
A new species of microsporidia has been discovered in a roundworm, providing a powerful system to study these mysterious microbes and develop new drugs. The discovery is particularly exciting as it offers a unique opportunity to identify new treatments for human microsporidian infections.
A study by NIAID scientist Theodore E. Nash found a strong association between brain tissue swelling and seizures in people infected with the parasitic tapeworm Taenia solium. Perilesional edema, a type of swelling around dead cysts, was seen in 50% of patients with seizures, suggesting a novel mechanism behind the condition.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have received a $1.5 million grant to develop novel drug targets for amebiasis and giardiasis, two serious water- and food-borne illnesses caused by microscopic parasites. The goal is to create small molecule inhibitors that target specific proteases playing a critical role in parasite lifecycle.
A CU-Boulder study reveals that diverse host species, such as gray tree frogs, can reduce the risk of parasitic infections and limb deformations in American toads. The research found that tadpoles raised with tree frog tadpoles had significantly lower infection rates than those without.
A safety and efficacy study found tribendimidine to be effective against hookworm, large roundworm, whipworm, threadworm, and tapeworm infections. The new drug cured up to 92% of soil-transmitted helminth infections in a highly endemic setting in China.