Articles tagged with Parasitic Diseases
A new study reveals that Toxoplasma gondii parasite alters the behavior of microglia, leading to a loss of inhibitory signaling in the brain. This can result in seizures, personality changes, and vision problems, similar to neuropsychiatric disorders.
A recent study found that only half of all surfaces in an animal hospital were adequately cleaned during a 5.5-week period, with human-touch surfaces being the least likely to be disinfected. The researchers recommend creating checklists and educating staff on proper cleaning practices to protect animal and human health.
Researchers found a parasite from opossums infecting sea otters along the West Coast, with infected otters in British Columbia's northern Vancouver Island. The study suggests pathogens can travel long distances via water runoff and prey species like clams.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism that enables hookworms to evade the human immune system. By understanding how these parasites destroy neutrophil extracellular traps, scientists may be able to develop vaccines to boost immunity and prevent reinfection.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to isolate individual gut cells from mice infected with intestinal parasites, enabling the study of the immune response to these infections. The technique may help scientists understand how adult parasites evade the immune system and develop ways to boost the immune response.
Researchers at Yale School of Public Health have identified a new family of surface proteins, Fam10, which are uniquely associated with infectious metacyclic parasites transmitted by the tsetse fly. Vaccination with one member of this family significantly reduced parasitemia in mice, making Fam10 proteins promising vaccine candidates.
Toxoplasma gondii injects proteins into host macrophages, altering their behavior and suppressing the immune response. This manipulation leads to the creation of M2 macrophages, which reduce inflammation and allow the parasite to evade elimination by T cells.
A systematic review found that albendazole (ALB) and praziquantel (PZQ) are effective in treating taeniasis caused by the pork tapeworm. The study analyzed 20 studies, including before-after designs and controlled trials, and reported cure rates ranging from 52% to 99.5%.
Researchers found plants manipulate nematode pheromones to repel these pests, which cause more than $100 million in damage to crops every year. Plants metabolize ascarosides and secrete the metabolites back into the soil, broadcasting propaganda that 'this is a bad place'.
A meta-analysis of 250 studies reveals that approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide, or 19%, are exposed to Toxocara. The prevalence rates vary greatly between regions, with highest rates in Africa and East Asia.
Scientists from Institut Pasteur have identified a key protein associated with ageing, which is progressively depleted in cells leading to senescence. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of senescence and its link to cellular ageing, paving the way for potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found 13.6% of shore crabs infected with Hematodinium parasite, highest rates in spring and male crabs. Environmental DNA analysis revealed early stages of parasite development not present in crabs.
A new study on sheep aging found that declining immune function accelerates parasite infections, leading to early mortality. The research, which tracked over 800 individual animals, discovered a link between antibody availability and mortality risk.
Fungicides can negatively impact aquatic fungi growth, altering their role in decomposing organic matter and as a food source for higher trophic levels.
Researchers found ancient parasite eggs in human coprolites at the Must Farm settlement, indicating that inhabitants were infected by eating raw aquatic animals. The discovery provides new insights into the intestinal diseases of prehistoric Britain and their possible connections to modern food trends.
An international team of researchers found that improving drinking water quality significantly reduces roundworm infections, with a 22% reduction when combined with sanitation and handwashing. The study suggests that sustainable approaches to disease control could be critical in tackling endemic infections.
A research team led by Jonas Barandun has discovered a near-atomic model of the smallest known eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosome found in microsporidia. The study reveals that microsporidian ribosomes have lost essential genes and expansion segments, allowing them to survive with a highly compacted genome.
Research in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that house mice have dramatically shaped Toxoplasma gondii populations globally. The study found four main lineages of the parasite, one newly described, which differ between inland and coastal regions.
A new study reveals that CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes can penetrate and destroy large target masses, such as those associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection. This ability may also be effective against solid cancers.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have successfully grown the most common type of Cryptosporidium in the lab using a new technique. This breakthrough will accelerate efforts to treat the deadly infection and identify potential drug candidates.
A new study found nearly a third of Cambodian population infected with Strongyloides stercoralis. The threadworm is associated with increased risk in older individuals, open defecation, and lower knowledge about helminth infections.
Researchers developed a novel mouse model of intestinal parasite infection that mimics human disease, offering protection against Cryptosporidium infection. The model uses a naturally occurring species of mouse Cryptosporidium and demonstrates the importance of T cells and interferon-gamma in immune response.
Toxoplasma gondii parasites replicate by hijacking the host cell's starvation response, extracting essential amino acids like arginine. This discovery suggests promising new drug targets to treat intracellular pathogens.
A team of researchers has discovered intestinal parasite infection in ancient faeces from the Çatalhöyük village, dating back to 7,100 BC. Whipworm eggs were found in two coprolites, providing early evidence of human disease in the Near East.
A new mathematical model developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that large collective of parasitic worms can kick-start a self-perpetuating cycle ensuring their survival. The study found that quantity of parasites alone determines whether they persist in a host, contrary to previous approaches.
A California study reveals chronic Q fever cases may be more common than previously believed, with a higher case fatality rate than national averages. Meanwhile, a mass treatment campaign in Bolivia has effectively eliminated human fascioliasis, a parasitic worm disease once prevalent in up to 25% of the population.
Researchers found that circadian rhythms impact immune responses, with morning immune cells elevated and nighttime levels suppressed. This discovery may lead to time-tailored therapies for human patients.
Research reveals that pups with high hookworm infection rates spend more time in the water, whereas those with lower rates rest or avoid it. Climate change is thought to be a contributing factor, as warmer ocean temperatures lead to scarce fish supplies, forcing mothers to dedicate more time to searching for food.
Research found that nematode-infected horned passalus beetles process wood 15% faster than uninfected ones, leading to increased decomposition rates. The parasites are beneficial to the forest ecosystem, enabling the beetles to provide a more effective service
Researchers discovered that Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite causing severe gut disease, hides from the immune system by 'cell nibbling' and displaying human proteins on its surface. This camouflage protects it from complement proteins, allowing it to survive in the body.
A new study found no major differences in gut microbiomes of people infected with roundworms or hookworms and uninfected peers. However, curing hookworm infections resulted in specific changes to the microbiome, while deworming had minimal effects.
The parasite induces overexpression of FOXP3 protein in infected animals, which sends a false message to the defense system, allowing it to eliminate the host's immune response. This study also validated three reference genes for quantitative PCR techniques, enabling future analysis of cytokine activity.
Scientists at Lancaster University discovered that a late-acting T-helper 17 response helps eliminate Trichinella spiralis, a round worm and causative agent of Trichinosis. This response increases intestinal contraction and restoring IL-17 levels rescues mice's ability to expel the parasite.
Researchers found that intestinal worms prevented weight gain on high-fat diets by boosting specific bacteria producing norepinephrine, leading to increased energy consumption and fat burning. This mechanism may lead to the development of new methods for weight loss.
A mass drug administration study in the Solomon Islands found a 90% reduction in scabies cases and a 75% decrease in impetigo cases after treating entire communities. The strategy is effective in reducing both diseases, especially in children aged five to nine years old.
A new study led by University of Manchester biologists reveals how glucose levels in the lungs control immune responses during inflammation. The research found that blocking sugar receptors may reduce inflammation in chronic conditions, while inhalation therapy could enhance immune response against some infections.
Researchers discovered a recently evolved, human specialised subspecies of the Cryptosporidium parasite, which can spread more easily between people. This finding will help public health interventions aimed at preventing the spread of diarrheal disease.
The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment journal publishes research on parasites hidden in museum specimens that can teach us about past and present diseases. A review reveals non-native species contribute to more plant and animal extinctions than native species.
A new study by Christian Lodberg Hvas shows that faeces transplantation is an effective treatment for Clostridium difficile, curing 22 out of 24 patients after a single procedure. In contrast, only 10 out of 24 patients were cured using the antibiotic fidaxomicin, highlighting the potential life-saving benefits of this treatment.
Researchers identified interleukin 10 receptor (IL-10R) as key player in regulating immune response to parasitic whipworms. The discovery helps understand the signalling mechanism maintaining a balance between host, parasite, and gut bacteria.
A new antibiotic called Ramizol shows promise in treating drug-resistant bacteria in the intestines, particularly for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The research indicates that Ramizol is well-tolerated and effective against lethal doses of the bacteria.
Kinetoplastid and apicomplexan parasites are targeted by inhibiting thymidylate biosynthesis, leading to decreased dTTP levels and cell death. Novel inhibitors with anti-parasitic activity have been identified in the review.
Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.
A Rutgers study suggests that a protein produced in response to parasitic intestinal worms can suppress harmful inflammation linked to emphysema and control its progression. The study provides new insights into possible treatments for the deadly disease, which currently has no cure but can be managed through treatment.
Researchers found that forest fragmentation decreases transmission of a parasitic nematode in the pale-flecked garden sunskink, with infected skinks being 75% less likely to carry the parasites. Habitat disruption can lead to dramatic changes in ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers have pinpointed details of a signal that enables parasites to change form and be transmitted by flies, offering a new way to tackle the disease. Disrupting this process with drugs could limit drug resistance and provide a treatment option.
A study led by Paul Brindley is examining the cellular link between liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. The research aims to understand why worm infections cause liver cells to transform into cancer.
A new model developed by scientists at the University of Bristol aims to help farmers tackle multi-million losses due to liver fluke infestations. The model explicitly links liver fluke prevalence with key environmental drivers like soil moisture, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on grazing and treatment.
A research team led by Nicholas V. DiPatrizio and Meera G. Nair found that parasitic worms produce cannabis-like molecules during infection, reducing pain and inflammation in the host. This discovery could lead to therapeutic treatments for worm infections and improve outcomes.
Researchers have found that a subset of people with helminth infections experience changes to their gut microbiome when treated for the infection. This change specifically affects Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes levels.
Death rates from heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers are higher in low- and middle-income tropical countries compared to high-income Western nations. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, account for 90% of deaths in Western countries due to late diagnosis and inadequate treatments.
Researchers have developed a new approach for studying Cryptosporidium using lung and intestinal organoids, which support the complete life cycle of the parasite. This tool enables the testing of drugs and identification of vaccine candidates, providing hope for developing effective treatments.
A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that tapeworms increase the tendency of three-spined sticklebacks to venture into open waters and exhibit risk-friendly behavior. Healthy fish in groups with infected members imitate their changed behavior, while infected fish do not take cues from cautious behavior in healthy fish.
A new probiotic mix of natural and engineered bacteria can diagnose and treat cholera by detecting a specific molecule and producing an enzyme that kills the bacteria. This approach offers an inexpensive and quick means to track the disease and provide treatment, potentially replacing traditional antibiotics.
Researchers found that haemosporidians impede migratory performance in infected birds, causing them to arrive later at breeding grounds. Infected individuals have elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an immune response that may divert resources from migration.
A Stanford-led study reveals high levels of tapeworm infection among school-age children in China, which can cause cognitive deficits and epilepsy. The researchers propose solutions to reduce infections and improve education outcomes, including community education and medication distribution.
Researchers have found a strain of trichomonosis in myna bird populations in Pakistan, infecting around 20% of the birds. The disease is carried by a parasite primarily found in pigeons and larger birds of prey, posing a risk to other species due to the invasive nature of myna birds.
A low-cost deworming drug has been shown to improve physical fitness in female farmers with hookworm infections, even at low infection levels. The benefits of the drug albendazole could be especially important in regions where women are the primary food producers.
Researchers found norovirus infects tuft cells, which multiply virus quickly and set off severe infections. Targeting these cells with a vaccine or drug may prevent or treat norovirus infections.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals a significant racial and ethnic disparity in Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection rates in the US population. TV infection disproportionately affects black individuals, with higher prevalence rates among black males and females, particularly those living below poverty level.