Articles tagged with Parasitic Diseases
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The expanding raccoon population in Europe threatens native species and human health with infectious diseases such as rabies and Baylisascaris procyonis. The spread of these illnesses is linked to the raccoon's adaptability, high reproductive potential, and lack of natural predators.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals infected with the T. gondii parasite are seven times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers also discovered that the parasite can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to changes in brain chemistry and potentially contributing to depression.
A University of Oklahoma research team has been awarded a $9.7 million NIH grant to study human diseases associated with aging, osteoporosis and diabetes. The grant will provide significant resources for investigators to pursue structure-based biomedical studies.
Two species of single-cell parasites have acquired new genes that work together to make an essential nutrient, allowing them to exploit their hosts more efficiently. This discovery highlights the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the rapid evolution of these tiny organisms.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that public reporting of hospital-acquired infection data led to a significant reduction in C. difficile cases. The study showed a 26% decrease in C. difficile infections after mandatory hospital reporting was introduced in Ontario, Canada.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg are working on developing substances that can prevent parasites, bacteria, and fungi from producing essential proteins. If successful, this could lead to the development of new drugs for several major diseases, including cancer, parasitic diseases, and bacterial and fungal infections.
A study of over 3,000 dairy herds in England and Wales found that liver fluke infection reduces the sensitivity of skin tests used to diagnose bovine TB. This means infected cattle may not be identified by current surveillance schemes, contributing to the disease's spread.
Researchers found that T cell imbalance increases risk for gastrointestinal infection recurrence, particularly in C. difficile cases. Patients with recurrent infections had higher levels of regulatory and TH17 cells, which could lead to targeted molecular therapies.
A University of Colorado study found that increases in parasite diversity lead to a decrease in the infection success rate of virulent parasites, including one that causes malformed limbs and premature death. Higher biodiversity can help protect against certain diseases by acting as a buffer against virulent pathogens.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant increase in C. diff infections in children between 2004 and 2009, with 75% of cases acquired in the community. The study also highlights the importance of prevention measures to reduce the spread of this environmental infection.
Researchers have developed a new series of drugs that target the fox tapeworm, which causes rare but life-threatening disease in humans. The drugs, derived from anti-cancer agents, show potential in killing the parasite and treating the disease.
A large multicenter study found that patients with community-onset Clostridium difficile infection have a four times higher risk of colectomy compared to those who developed symptoms in the hospital. Older adults and individuals with severe cases are also at higher risk for CDI-related colectomies.
Academics at the University of Nottingham are recruiting patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis to test the effect of a low dose of the helminth parasite Necator americanus on their immune system. The study aims to prove that hookworms can reduce MS symptoms and prevent relapses.
Research proposes that parasite evolution plays a key role in host sex-biased parasitism and disease expression. Characteristics like morphology and behavior differ between sexes, posing unique challenges for parasites, which may adapt more to one sex than the other.
A recent study by UBC researchers has identified the increasing presence of terrestrial pathogens in marine mammals along the Pacific coast. The team calls for improved surveillance and collaboration to monitor public health implications and reduce land-sea transfer of pollutants.
Fruit flies seek out alcohol to kill off blood-borne parasitic wasps, showing a potential natural remedy for fighting infection. Environmental alcohol protects fruit flies from parasitism, and consuming alcohol leads to death of the wasps.
Researchers found Substance P, a pain transmitter, causes seizures in brain-infected patients; blocking its receptor may provide treatment relief. The study suggests a new approach for managing seizures in these patients.
Researchers discovered Substance P causes seizures in patients with neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic tapeworm infection of the brain. Blocking Substance P receptors may prove effective in treating and preventing seizures in affected individuals.
A study of nearly 15,000 patients found that up to three-quarters of new C. difficile infections were not easily explained by conventional assumptions of ward-based transmission from symptomatic patients. This suggests that current interventions may not be effective in controlling the spread of C. difficile in hospitals.
Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.
Researchers have discovered that toltrazuril can effectively control coccidiosis in piglets, whereas sulfonamides fail to provide sufficient protection. Toltrazuril treatment has been shown to significantly improve health outcomes and reduce diarrhoea in pigs.
A new study found that global warming increases the growth rate of parasites in fish, leading to altered host behavior and potentially devastating effects on fish reproduction. The research also suggests that parasites can manipulate host behavior to seek out warmer temperatures.
Researchers found that antibiotics are not the sole risk factor for community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection and that nursing home residence is a strong predictor of disease severity. The study identified increasing age, higher Charlson Comorbidity index, and lack of antibiotic exposure as predictors of hospitalization.
Fecal microbiota transplants have shown high efficacy in treating recurrent C. difficile infections, with a success rate of 91% in one study. The procedure has also been effective in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease, particularly when done recurrently. Researchers found that fecal transplant is a safe and effective treatment option ...
A collaborative study by the University of Melbourne and BGI sequenced the draft genome of Ascaris suum, a parasitic roundworm of pigs. The study provides a comprehensive resource to combat ascariasis and other nematodiases, with potential drug targets identified.
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.