Articles tagged with Schistosomiasis
Mass drug administration programmes have significantly increased treatment for bilharzia, killing an estimated 280,000 people annually. Praziquantel MDA programmes are effective but long-term effects and resistance to the drug are largely unknown.
Research reveals that irrigation channels and land use patterns influence snail dispersal, with villages having more channels experiencing higher migration rates. The study provides insights into the factors driving schistosomiasis re-emergence in Asia.
A modified HIV-1 virus can integrate into the genome of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, a major species of schistosomiasis-causing flatworm. This finding could aid research into potential new treatments for schistosomiasis and related neglected tropical diseases.
A novel schistosomiasis vaccine called Sm14 Vaccine has reached phase II clinical studies, prioritized by the World Health Organization. The vaccine aims to prevent the parasite that causes the disease from installing in the patient's organism and causing damage.
A new Stanford-led analysis reveals that introducing snail-eating prawns to local water sources is the most effective way to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence, outperforming drug-only treatment by over 90%. This approach has consistently proven effective in controlling the disease globally.
A study published in PLOS NTDs found that 19 programs using widespread snail control reduced schistosomiasis prevalence by over 90%, while 29 with little or no snail control achieved less than 40% reduction. Ecological, economic, and political factors also contributed to successful elimination.
A new study has identified the Nuclear Factor Y-B gene as essential for sperm production in the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. The researchers found that suppressing this gene reduced sperm-producing stem cell numbers, highlighting its role in maintaining a balance between self-renewal and differentiation.
Current World Health Organization guidelines may need to be revised to combat parasitic worm diseases, which afflict 1.5 million people worldwide. A new analysis suggests that treating schoolchildren annually in sub-Saharan Africa with low-cost drugs could largely knock out these infections.
Researchers discovered that schistosome stem cells are responsible for constantly renewing the worm's outer layer of skin, a unique tissue called the tegument. This process allows the flatworm to survive in the bloodstream for decades, evading its host's immune defenses.
GW University's Paul Brindley and MIT's Kevin Esvelt are working on a gene drive project to eliminate schistosomiasis using CRISPR technology. The goal is to 'supercharge' evolution, sterilizing and eliminating the disease-causing parasites.
A $3.82 million NIH grant will prepare the Schistosomiasis Vaccine (SchistoShield) for human clinical trials, aiming to reduce infections in millions worldwide. The vaccine has potential impact on up to one billion people and is part of a broader research effort with over $11.5 million in total funding.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital confirmed that the drug praziquantel is safe for use in pregnant women following their first trimester, a finding that could spur improved access to treatment for millions of women worldwide. The study showed no adverse events for pregnant women or newborns, and iron status improved in both groups.
Research in West African countries finds that co-infection with two species of schistosome does not affect treatment efficacy, but patterns of re-infection vary. Overall, the study suggests that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of schistosome interactions.
A novel hyperthermia method has been developed for preventing and treating Schistosomiasis japonica by targeting migrating skin schistosomula. The treatment shows promising results in reducing the survival rate of cercariae and worm reduction rates, offering a potential alternative to PZQ.
Researchers discuss emerging antischistosomal drug candidates and address clinical resistance concerns. Praziquantel, the current 'wonder drug,' is being reevaluated due to its drawbacks and potential for clinical resistance.
Freshwater prawns can help control schistosomiasis by preying on parasite-infected snails, providing a source of protein-rich food and reducing the disease burden. The study suggests that stocking prawns in rivers could be an effective natural solution for controlling the disease.
Researchers will study the complex interaction of human and natural forces that may alter patterns of disease transmission. Small prawns are expected to kill snails effectively, providing a potential solution to schistosomiasis.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a group of genes in snails that provide natural resistance to the flatworm parasite causing schistosomiasis. This finding offers potential new avenues for treatment and control of the disease, which can cause chronic disability and even lead to bladder cancer.
Children under five in sub-Saharan Africa are at higher risk of developing schistosomiasis due to increased exposure to contaminated water, a study suggests. The research highlights the need for mass administration of anti-parasite medication to include preschool-age children in treatment programs.
Schistosomiasis, caused by a water-born parasite, affects 200 million globally. A new software, QDREC, helps find an effective treatment by automating the drug-discovery process.
The COUNTDOWN research consortium aims to improve drug distribution and integration into broader health system responses for NTDs. It will trial and evaluate new approaches targeting those overlooked and excluded.
A 6200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg discovered in Syria's Tell Zeidan grave suggests ancient agricultural irrigation systems may have spread the disease. The find, dating back a thousand years earlier than previous discoveries, highlights how human technology can exacerbate disease burdens.
A recent study reveals that human activities near Lake Malaŵi are driving a significant increase in urogenital schistosomiasis, a debilitating tropical disease. The research suggests that changes in land use, overfishing, and ecological alterations have created a favorable environment for the spread of the disease.
A pre-treatment snack improved treatment uptake for schistosomiasis in Ugandan schoolchildren, with higher rates of drug adherence and lower infection rates. The study found that providing a snack before mass treatment increased uptake by 15.2% compared to schools without snacks.
Researchers call for further study into the consequences of HIV and schistosomiasis coinfection in children in sub-Saharan Africa to understand potential synergies in control efforts. The diseases have a substantial geographical overlap, with millions of children at risk of transmission.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered a mechanism linked to the development of severe schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms. The innate cell receptor CD209a controls the magnitude of disease, with mice expressing high levels of CD209a developing severe inflammation.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a decline in the spread of snail fever in Africa, with up to 19% reduction in infectious areas. The parasite's host snails are expected to lose suitable habitats due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that children under five are equally likely to contract bilharzia as their infected mothers. The researchers recommend improving access to clean water and sanitation to reduce the spread of the disease.
Stanford researchers use a new animal model to study the early course of urogenital schistosomiasis, a chronic disease affecting 112 million people worldwide. They found that continuous waves of egg deposition are what's generating chronic disease, and that killing the worms can halt the cycle.
A recent study found that infants in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of snail fever infection, which can cause impaired memory, thought, and internal organ damage. The study suggests that a common drug, praziquantel, can safely cure the infection in a single dose.
Researchers have sequenced the nuclear genome of Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic worm linked to bladder cancer and HIV/AIDS. The discovery offers insights into how the parasite induces malignant bladder cancer and provides a biological roadmap for developing new disease interventions, including drugs and vaccines.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a gene activator, Mef2, crucial to the development of schistosomes in humans. The discovery provides a potential target for a vaccine to prevent the disease, which affects over 200 million people worldwide.
Experts emphasize the need to treat multiple diseases simultaneously, as common in sub-Saharan Africa, for better outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Studies show that addressing co-infections can significantly reduce HIV transmission risk and viral load.
Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified a 'programmed cell death' pathway in parasitic worms that could one day lead to new treatments for schistosomiasis. The discovery was made by studying programmed cell death in human cells, where the team found similarities with the process in fluke worms.
An analysis of ancient Nubian-era mummies found that human alteration of the environment contributed to the spread of schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasitic disease infecting an estimated 200 million people today. The study suggests that ancient individuals were capable of altering their environment in ways that impacted their health.
Researchers discovered that dendritic cells trigger the immune system's defence against invading parasites in mice infected with snail fever. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for chronic illness caused by this condition.
A Danish study reveals that schistosomiasis causes sores in women's reproductive organs, making them more susceptible to HIV infections. Younger women with the parasite are more likely to receive effective treatment and prevention programs.
A Chinese research group evaluates the efficacy of a Calculus Bovis compound preparation in treating lung lesions caused by schistosomiasis. The study suggests that the compound has anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing swelling.
Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have identified a single protein, omega-1, secreted from schistosome eggs that induces a specific immune response. This discovery may lead to new treatments and therapies for schistosomiasis, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases.
The genomes of two parasitic flatworm species causing schistosomiasis have been sequenced, revealing potential drug targets and enzymes that can be targeted with drugs. The research may lead to new treatments for the debilitating disease.
Researchers at UCSF have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the Schistosoma mansoni blood fluke genome and identifying potential drug targets. The discoveries may lead to new therapies for schistosomiasis, a tropical disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide.
The complete genome sequence of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm causing devastating disease, has been published. Researchers have identified potential new drug targets and explored ways to treat and eradicate the disease.
Researchers found that clusters of schistosomiasis infections occurred in the same areas ten years after a control program ended. Long-term stability in spatial distribution suggests reviewing historic data can aid planning targeted control programs.
A comprehensive elimination strategy is proposed to significantly block the spread of schistosomiasis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting over 207 million people worldwide. The approach incorporates supplementary education and sanitation with secondary environmental benefits.
Case Western Reserve professor David Gurarie develops mathematical models to track symptoms, treatment outcomes and environmental conditions of diseases. These models allow doctors to make predictions about effective treatment and help identify areas where new diseases may emerge.
Researchers at UGA will develop and evaluate strategies to reduce morbidity from schistosomiasis in low- and middle-income countries. The project aims to identify, control, and eliminate the disease where feasible.
The RSTMH president calls for a shift in global health priorities to address neglected tropical diseases with effective treatments available at minimal cost. Currently, billions of people lack access to quality healthcare products, hindering their well-being and productivity.
A new study suggests that Schistosoma mekongi is more widely distributed in the Mekong River basin than previously believed, posing a potential threat to disease control efforts. The parasite's range may be broader than thought, with possible spread into Laos from Vietnam.
Researchers have identified chemical compounds, oxadiazoles, that inhibit a crucial enzyme vital to the survival of Schistosoma parasites causing schistosomiasis. The compounds showed promise in killing the parasite in all stages and were active against major species.
Researchers at Brown University have found that schistosomiasis japonica is significantly more debilitating than previously thought, with a 0.098-0.186 disability impact score. The study's findings suggest that current measures of the disease's burden may underestimate its true impact.
A new study reveals schistosomiasis japonica has a substantially higher disability impact, estimated to be 0.098-0.186 DALY, compared to the current low estimate of 0.005. This finding suggests the disease burden may need to be revised, with policymakers needing to prioritize control measures.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to explain infection patterns of Schistosoma japonicum. They found that transmission from snails to mammals was the primary factor in explaining differences among villages. Interventions targeting snail populations may be more effective than others, according to the study.
The three diseases - lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis - were brought to the Americas through forced migration from Africa, but tools now exist to eliminate them. A coordinated effort is needed to dedicate financial and technical resources.
Researchers found that modifying irrigation and waste treatment practices, along with providing medicine and pesticide, can reduce the spread of schistosomiasis. These changes include lining irrigation ditches with concrete to eliminate snail habitats and using biogas digesters to destroy Schistosoma eggs.
A study found that industry funding can lead to biased research outcomes, with favorable results more likely for funded products. This bias may undermine the integrity of nutrition research, affecting public health decisions.
Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease, can be controlled through wide-scale drug treatment and socio-economic progress. Establishing strong health systems is crucial for integrating sustainable control measures and caring for patients.
The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative has treated over ten million people in sub-Saharan Africa with a single dose of praziquantel, reducing the burden of illness for millions. The programme, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also aims to raise awareness about the disease through education programmes.
A study of 135 reports found that schistosomiasis is significantly linked to anaemia, diarrhoea, chronic pain, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and malnutrition. The resulting disability was substantially higher than current World Health Organisation estimates.
The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative will support Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Zambia and Tanzania in treating 15 million people with praziquantel and albendazole over four years. The initiative aims to deliver treatment to 3 million children and reduce the parasite's impact on African communities.
The £20 million grant will support the development of local and international partnerships to improve training and treatment delivery, with a focus on emulating the program's success in other countries. The initiative aims to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Africa by providing effective control measures.