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Genomic Sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Parasites from Senegal Reveals the Demographic History of the Population
Malaria is a deadly disease that causes nearly one million deaths each year. To develop methods to control and eradicate malaria, it is important to understand the genetic basis of Plasmodium falciparum adaptations to antimalarial treatments and the human immune system while taking into account its demographic history. To study the demographic history and identify genes under selection more efficiently, we sequenced the complete genomes of 25 culture-adapted P. falciparum isolates from three sites in Senegal. We show that there is no significant population structure among these Senegal sampling sites. By fitting demographi...
Source: Molecular Biology and Evolution - October 16, 2012 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Chang, H.-H., Park, D. J., Galinsky, K. J., Schaffner, S. F., Ndiaye, D., Ndir, O., Mboup, S., Wiegand, R. C., Volkman, S. K., Sabeti, P. C., Wirth, D. F., Neafsey, D. E., Hartl, D. L. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

The Impact of Mutation and Gene Conversion on the Local Diversification of Antigen Genes in African Trypanosomes
In this study, a series of models are constructed to investigate hypotheses about the nucleotide diversity patterns between closely related gene sequences from the antigen gene archive of the African trypanosome, the protozoan parasite causative of human sleeping sickness in Equatorial Africa. We use a hidden Markov model approach to identify two scales of diversification: clustering of sequence mismatches, a putative indicator of gene conversion events with other lower-identity donor genes in the archive, and at a sparser scale, isolated mismatches, likely arising from independent point mutations. In addition to quantifyi...
Source: Molecular Biology and Evolution - October 16, 2012 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Gjini, E., Haydon, D. T., Barry, J. D., Cobbold, C. A. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research

SNP Genotyping Identifies New Signatures of Selection in a Deep Sample of West African Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Parasites
We used a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism array to genotype 75 Plasmodium falciparum isolates recently collected from Senegal and The Gambia to search for signals of selection in this malaria endemic region. We found little geographic or temporal stratification of the genetic diversity among the sampled parasites. Through application of the iHS and REHH haplotype-based tests for positive selection, we found evidence of recent selective sweeps at a known drug resistance locus, at several known antigenic loci, and at several genomic regions not previously identified as sites of recent selection. We discuss the va...
Source: Molecular Biology and Evolution - October 16, 2012 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Amambua-Ngwa, A., Park, D. J., Volkman, S. K., Barnes, K. G., Bei, A. K., Lukens, A. K., Sene, P., Van Tyne, D., Ndiaye, D., Wirth, D. F., Conway, D. J., Neafsey, D. E., Schaffner, S. F. Tags: Letters Source Type: research

Effects of immunostimulation on social behavior, chemical communication and genome-wide gene expression in honey bee workers (Apis mellifera)
Conclusions: These results demonstrate that honey bee genomic responses to immunostimulation are substantially broader than the previously identified canonical immune response pathways, and may mediate the behavioral changes associated with social immunity by orchestrating changes in chemical signaling. These studies lay the groundwork for future research into the genomic responses of honey bees to native honey bee parasites and pathogens.
Source: BioMed Central - October 16, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Freddie-Jeanne RichardHolly L HoltChristina M Grozinger Source Type: research

Malaria infection alters the expression of B‐cell activating factor resulting in diminished memory antibody responses and survival
Malaria is a major cause of morbidity worldwide with reports of over 200–500 million infected individuals and nearly 1 million deaths each year. Antibodies have been shown to play a critical role in controlling the blood stage of this disease; however, in malaria‐endemic areas antibody immunity is slow to develop despite years of exposure to Plasmodium spp. the causative parasite. Using rodent Plasmodium yoelii YM, we provide evidence that malarial infections result in a decrease in the proportion of DCs that express the B‐cell survival factor, BAFF, resulting in a decreased ability of these DCs to support memory B�...
Source: European Journal of Immunology - October 16, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Xue Q. Liu, Katryn J. Stacey, Joshua M. Horne‐Debets, Jasmyn A. Cridland, Katja Fischer, David Narum, Fabienne Mackay, Susan K. Pierce, Michelle N. Wykes Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research

The effects of oviposition-site deprivation on Anopheles gambiae reproduction
Even a short dry spell, resulting in oviposition site deprivation for several days, dramatically reduces the fecundity and fertility of the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Females that take supplemental blood meals regain reproductive success, however, they exacerbate malaria transmission during a short dry spell. Image: Reduction in fecundity and fertility following oviposition-site deprivation in Anopheles gambiae.
Source: Parasites and Vectors - October 16, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Kathryne DieterDiana HuestisTovi Lehmann Source Type: research

Modulation of innate immunity by Toxoplasma gondii virulence effectors
Nature Reviews Microbiology 10, 766 (2012). doi:10.1038/nrmicro2858 Authors: Christopher A. Hunter & L. David Sibley Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite of animals and humans and can cause serious opportunistic infections. However, the majority of infections are asymptomatic, possibly because the organism has co-evolved with its many vertebrate hosts and has developed multiple strategies to persist asymptomatically for the
Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology - October 16, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Christopher A. HunterL. David Sibley Tags: Review Source Type: research

Proteome remodelling during development from blood to insect-form Trypanosoma brucei quantified by SILAC and mass spectrometry
Conclusions: We can show the extent of pre-adaptation in the SS cells, especially at the level of the mitochondrial proteome. The comparison to a previously published report on monomorphic in vitro grown bloodstream and procyclic T. brucei indicates a loss of stringent regulation particularly of mitochondrial proteins in these cells when compared to the pleomorphic in vivo situation. In order to better understand the different levels of gene expression regulation in this organism we compared mRNA steady state abundance with the relative protein abundance-changes and detected moderate but significant correlation indicating ...
Source: BMC Genomics - Latest articles - October 16, 2012 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Kapila GunasekeraDaniel WüthrichSophie Braga-LagacheManfred HellerTorsten Ochsenreiter Source Type: research

Ant Societies Buffer Individual-Level Effects of Parasite Infections.
Inon Scharf, Andreas P. Modlmeier, Sara Beros, and Susanne Foitzik The American Naturalist, Volume 180, Issue 5, Page 671-683, November 2012.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 15, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Articles Source Type: research

Infection Genetics and the Likelihood of Host Shifts in Coevolving Host-Parasite Interactions.
Virginie Poullain and Scott L. Nuismer The American Naturalist, Volume 180, Issue 5, Page 618-628, November 2012.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 15, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Articles Source Type: research

Patient risk factors for outer membrane permeability and KPC-producing carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolation: results of a double case–control study
Conclusions  Porin-ER-Kp strains needed major antimicrobial pressure compared to KPC-CR-Kp to express resistance. KPC-CR-Kp substituted Porin-ER-Kp strains, causing more infections. KPC-CR-Kp breakthrough bacteraemia occurred even under therapy with tigecycline or colistin, underlining that an antibiotic stewardship programme is needed urgently. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical and Epidemiological StudyPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s15010-012-0354-2Authors G. B. Orsi, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyA. B...
Source: Infection - October 15, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Infection Source Type: research

A soybean cyst nematode resistance gene points to a new mechanism of plant resistance to pathogens
lissa G. Mitchum & Khalid Meksem Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important crop that provides a sustainable source of protein and oil worldwide. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is a microscopic roundworm that feeds on the roots of soybean and is a major constraint to soybean production. This nematode causes more than US$1 billion in yield losses annually in the United States alone, making it the most economically important pathogen on soybean. Although planting of resistant cultivars forms the core management strategy for this pathogen, nothing is known about the nature of resistance. M...
Source: Nature - October 15, 2012 Category: Research Authors: Shiming LiuPramod K. KandothSamantha D. WarrenGreg YeckelRobert HeinzJohn AldenChunling YangAziz JamaiTarik El-MelloukiParijat S. JuvaleJohn HillThomas J. BaumSilvia CianzioSteven A. WhithamDmitry KorkinMelissa G. MitchumKhalid Meksem Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Development and application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid identification of aflatoxigenic molds and their detection in food samples.
Abstract Aflatoxins are the most thoroughly studied mycotoxins. They are produced by several members of the genus Aspergillus in section Flavi with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius being frequently isolated from contaminated food sources. In this work, we describe the development and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for rapid detection of the three species in separate analyses. The acl1-gene of A. flavus and amy1-genes of A. nomius and A. parasiticus were used as target genes. The detection limits were 2.4, 7.6 and 20pg of pure DNA/reaction for A....
Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology - October 15, 2012 Category: Food Science Authors: Luo J, Vogel RF, Niessen L Tags: Int J Food Microbiol Source Type: research

Malaria, Anti Malarial Drugs and the Role of Melatonin.
Abstract Malaria, one of the most deadly diseases of our time affects more than 200 million people across the globe and is responsible for about one million deaths annually. Until recently Plasmodium falciparum has been the main cause for malarial infection in human beings but now Plasmodium knowlesi from Malaysia remains as one of the most virulent parasite spreading   fast not only in Malaysia but in different parts of the world. Hence there is urgent need for the global fight to control malaria. Global malaria eradication program by use of insecticide spraying has resulted in good response in the past. Treatme...
Source: Infectious Disorders Drug Targets - October 15, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Srinivasan V, Mohamed M, Zakaria R, Ahmed AH Tags: Infect Disord Drug Targets Source Type: research

Delivery of antigenic candidates by a DNA/MVA heterologous approach elicits effector CD8(+)T cell mediated immunity against Trypanosoma cruzi.
In this study, we have characterized the immune mechanisms elicited by antigenic candidates, TcG2 and TcG4, delivered by a DNA-prime/MVA-boost approach, and evaluated the host responses to Trypanosoma cruzi infection in C57BL/6 mice. Immunization of mice with antigenic candidates elicited antigen-specific, high-avidity, trypanolytic antibody response (IgG2b>IgG1) and CD8(+)T cells that exhibited type-1 cytolytic effector (CD8(+)CD107a(+)IFN-γ(+)Perforin(+)) phenotype. The extent of TcG2-dependent type 1 B and T cell immunity was higher than that noted in TcG4-immunized mice, and expanded accordingly in response to chal...
Source: Vaccine - October 15, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Gupta S, Garg NJ Tags: Vaccine Source Type: research

Recombinant translation initiation factor-1 of Wolbachia is an immunogenic excretory secretory protein that elicits Th2 mediated immune protection against Brugia malayi.
Abstract Wolbachia, the intracellular alpha-proteobacteria are required for the development, fertility and survival of filarial parasites. Wolbachia Translation initiation factor-1 (Wol Tl IF-1) is one of the factors required for Wolbachia growth and viability. In the present study, we cloned, over expressed and purified Wol Tl IF-1 that exhibited strong immuno-reactivity with various categories of bancroftian sera. Immunization with the recombinant protein resulted into significant reduction in microfilarial density (70-72%) and adult worm establishment (61-63%) in susceptible Mastomys coucha. Protection offered b...
Source: Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. - October 15, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Nag JK, Shrivastava N, Gupta J, Misra-Bhattacharya S Tags: Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis Source Type: research

Experimental evaluation of birds as disseminators of the cosmopolitan tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae).
Abstract Rhipicephalus sanguineus is believed to be the most widespread tick species of the world and its dissemination seems to rely on the diffusion of its main host, the dog. Empirical observations indicate that several bird species in urban areas regularly steal dog food. Such circumstances create a chance for R. sanguineus ticks to climb on birds and carry ticks to another site. In this work we evaluated experimentally the likelihood of birds (chicks) to either feed and/or carry R. sanguineus ticks from an infested site to another and to infest a host (rabbit) in the new location. Chicks were not suitable host...
Source: Experimental Parasitology - October 15, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Szabó MP, Rossi GF, Cabral DD, Martins MM, Gerardi M, Amorim MP, Tsuruta SA Tags: Exp Parasitol Source Type: research

A new gonad-infecting species of Philometra (Nematoda: Philometridae) from the Atlantic Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus (Scombridae) off the Atlantic coast of Florida and South Carolina.
Abstract Abstract A new nematode species, Philometra atlantica n. sp. (Philometridae), is described from male and female specimens found in the ovary of the Atlantic Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchill) (Scombridae, Perciformes), off the Atlantic coast of Florida and South Carolina. Based on light and scanning electron microscopy examination, the new species differs from most other gonad-infecting Philometra spp. in the length of spicules (111-126 µm), number and arrangement of genital papillae, and a U-shaped, dorsally interrupted caudal mound in the male. A unique feature among all gonad-infecti...
Source: The Journal of Parasitology - October 15, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Moravec F, Bakenhaster M, de Buron I Tags: J Parasitol Source Type: research

The ecology of mosquitoes in an irrigated vegetable farm in Kumasi, Ghana: abundance, productivity and survivorship
Vegetable farms in the city of Kumasi, Ghana, employ makeshift irrigation and create breeding sites for malaria mosquitoes. The water table in such areas is quite high and water seeps continuously from the ground. Image: Vegetable farming in Kumasi, Ghana creates hotspots for malaria transmission.
Source: Parasites and Vectors - October 15, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Yaw AfraneBernard LawsonRuth BrenyaThomas KruppaGuiyun Yan Source Type: research

Behavioural response of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae to host plant volatiles and synthetic blends
The malaria vector Anopheles gambiae uses specific odours to locate host plants for nectar feeding. They use both quantitative and qualitative volatile composition to associate and discriminate host plants. Image: Female Anopheles gambiae imbibing on flowers of P. hysterophorus.
Source: Parasites and Vectors - October 15, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Vincent NyasembePeter TealWolfgang MukabanaJames TumlinsonBaldwyn Torto Source Type: research

Endemic angiostrongyliasis in the Brazilian Amazon: Natural parasitism of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus, and sympatric giant African land snails, Achatina fulica.
This study confirms that A. cantonensis is now endemic in northern Brazil, and that R. rattus and R. norvegicus act as natural definitive hosts, and A. fulica as the intermediate host of the parasite in this region. PMID: 23072946 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Acta Tropica - October 13, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Moreira VL, Giese EG, Melo FT, Simões RO, Thiengo SC, Maldonado A, Santos JN Tags: Acta Trop Source Type: research

Antimalarial and anticancer activities of artemisinin-quinoline hybrid-dimers and pharmacokinetic properties in mice.
Abstract Malaria, one of the three most important life-threatening infectious diseases, is recommended to be treated with ACT (artemisinin combination therapy) against which Plasmodium falciparum already displayed resistance. Two artemisinin-4-amino-quinoline hybrid-dimers (1 and 2), previously synthesized, possessed low nanomolar in vitro antiplasmodial activity, while poorly toxic against mammalian cells. They are here investigated to ascertain whether this antimalarial activity would be carried on in vivo against Plasmodium vinckei. During the four day treatment, parasitemia of less than 1% were observed on day ...
Source: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - October 13, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Lombard MC, N'da DD, Breytenbach JC, Kolesnikova NI, Ba CT, Wein S, Norman J, Denti P, Vial H, Wiesner L Tags: Eur J Pharm Sci Source Type: research

Biochemical and functional characterization of novel NADH kinase in the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
Abstract NAD(H) kinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of NAD(H) to form NADP(H) using ATP or inorganic polyphosphate as a phosphoryl donor. While the enzyme is conserved throughout prokaryotes and eukaryotes, remarkable differences in kinetic parameters including substrate preference, cation dependence, and physiological roles exist among the organisms. In the present study, we biochemically characterized NAD(H) kinase from the anaerobic/microaerophilic fermentative protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which lacks the conventional mitochondria capable of oxidative phosphorylation, leading to ATP. The kinetic pr...
Source: Biochimie - October 13, 2012 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Jeelani G, Husain A, Sato D, Suematsu M, Nozaki T Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research

siRNA-mediated knockdown of two tyrosinase genes from Schistosoma japonicum cultured in vitro.
In this study, siRNA-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to silence these two SjTYR genes to evaluate their roles in eggshell formation. The effects of individual or double knockdown of the SjTYR genes were compared by determining SjTYR1/SjTYR2 transcript levels, enzyme activities, and by observing the morphology and amounts of intrauterine eggs. Results showed that SjTYR transcript levels were significantly reduced on the 3rd day post-RNAi. Significant reductions in TYR enzyme activities, as well as obvious changes in morphology and the number of intrauterine eggs followed the reductions in SjTYR transcript lev...
Source: Experimental Parasitology - October 13, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: He Y, Cai G, Ni Y, Li Y, Zong H, He L Tags: Exp Parasitol Source Type: research

Bovine babesiosis in the 21st century: Advances in biology and functional genomics.
Abstract Bovine babesiosis caused by the protozoan parasite, Babesia bovis, remains a significant cause of avoidable economic losses to the livestock industry in many countries throughout the world. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of severe disease in susceptible cattle are not well understood and the tools available to study the biology of the parasite, including technologies for genetic manipulation, have only recently been developed. Recent availability of multiple parasite genomes and bioinformatic tools, in combination with the development of new biological reagents, will facilitate our...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology - October 13, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Gohil S, Herrmann S, Günther S, Cooke BM Tags: Int J Parasitol Source Type: research

Evolution of apicomplexan secretory organelles.
Abstract The alveolate superphylum includes many free-living and parasitic organisms, which are united by the presence of alveolar sacs lying proximal to the plasma membrane, providing cell structure. All species comprising the apicomplexan group of alveolates are parasites and have adapted to the unique requirements of the parasitic lifestyle. Here the evolution of apicomplexan secretory organelles that are involved in the critical process of egress from one cell and invasion of another is explored. The variations within the Apicomplexa and how these relate to species-specific biology will be discussed. In additio...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology - October 13, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Gubbels MJ, Duraisingh MT Tags: Int J Parasitol Source Type: research

Amoebic liver abscess in travellers: indication for image-guided puncture?
This report highlights that conservative monotherapeutic treatment alone may not be sufficient in some patients with initially uncomplicated E. histolytica liver abscess. Implementation of additional image guided percutaneous puncture may reduce mortality and disease related costs. PMID: 23064858 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift - October 13, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Hoenigl M, Valentin T, Salzer HJ, Zollner-Schwetz I, Flick H, Raggam RB, Wagner J, Grisold AJ, Spreizer C, Krause R, Seeber K Tags: Wien Klin Wochenschr Source Type: research

Endoparasites of rodents from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Southeastern Bangladesh.
Abstract Rodents are a key mammalian group highly successful in adapting to a variety of environments throughout the world and play an important role in many zoonotic cycles. Within this project, the gastrointestinal and extraintestinal parasite fauna of 76 rodents (Muroidea and Sciuridae) was determined in the District of Bandarban (Chittagong Hill Tracts) in Southeastern Bangladesh. Gastrointestinal and extraintestinal parasites were examined with macro- and microscopical tools (e.g. Ziehl-Neelsen Staining) at a field site in Bandarban. A wide variety of parasites were found in rodent hosts, including protozoa-Gi...
Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift - October 13, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Fuehrer HP, Baumann TA, Riedl J, Treiber M, Igel P, Swoboda P, Joachim A, Noedl H Tags: Wien Klin Wochenschr Source Type: research

Current evidence and future of automated erythrocyte exchange in the treatment of severe malaria.
Abstract Despite the administration of antimalarial treatment, severe malaria still has a high mortality rate. Since overall survival is associated with total parasite biomass, whole blood exchange (e.g. blood exchange transfusions) has been proposed as a potential method to rapidly reduce peripheral parasitaemia. Automated red blood cell exchange has been advocated as a physical method to remove parasites. Compared to exchange transfusion, automated red blood exchange may avoid the risk of volume alterations and haemodynamic distress. Since 1984, there have been 37 published cases in which automated red blood cell...
Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift - October 13, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Auer-Hackenberg L, Winkler S, Graninger W, Worel N, Ramharter M Tags: Wien Klin Wochenschr Source Type: research

[Use of telemedicine within the diagnosis of parasites and viruses.]
Abstract Infectious diseases are among the most common diseases in military deployment situations. Their diagnosis requires special equipment and expertise, which are both provided by the laboratories within the mission area. In order to further enhance the diagnostic process by means of telemedical expert support, a telemicrobiology module with special devices, camera and software has been designed within the medical service of the German armed forces as a modification to the standard telemedicine workstation. The telemicrobiology equipment which was not only developed but also evaluated at Koblenz, was then insta...
Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift - October 13, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Scheid PL Tags: Wien Klin Wochenschr Source Type: research

Influence of pump and seed modulation on the mode instability thresholds of fiber amplifiers
Using numerical simulations of thermally induced mode coupling we show how the instability threshold can be substantially reduced if the pump or injected signal is modulated in the kHz range. We also show how the mode coupling gain varies with the frequency offset of the parasitic mode. We model ...
Source: Optics Express - October 12, 2012 Category: Physics Authors: Arlee V. Smith Jesse J. Smith Source Type: research

Omnia tempus habent: habitat-specific differences in olfactory learning and decision making in parasitic wasps.
Abstract Olfactory learning is generally involved in the host-finding process in parasitic wasps. But the reliability of odour cues for predicting future host-finding success depends on the rate at which host-substrate associations are subject to variation within and between parasitoid generations. Since learning comes at physiological costs, we can expect animals to learn in a way that optimizes costs and benefits. The parasitic wasp Venturia canescens occurs in two reproductive modes that forage in different environments. We tested populations from both habitat types for learning rate, memory duration and speed o...
Source: Animal Cognition - October 12, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Thiel A, Schlake S, Kosior D Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Biology and genetics of human head and body lice.
Abstract Head lice and body lice have distinct ecologies and differ slightly in morphology and biology, questioning their taxonomic status. Over the past 10 years many genetic studies have been undertaken. Controversial data suggest that not only body lice but also head lice can serve as vectors of Bartonella quintana, and a better understanding of louse epidemiology is crucial. Here, we review taxonomic studies based on biology and genetics, including genomic data on lice, lice endosymbionts, and louse-transmitted bacteria. We recommend that studies of human lice employ morphological and biological characteristics...
Source: Trends in Parasitology - October 12, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Veracx A, Raoult D Tags: Trends Parasitol Source Type: research

Finding the sweet spots of inhibition: Understanding the targets of a functional antibody against Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein.
Abstract Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein region II (DBPII) is an essential ligand for reticulocyte invasion, thereby making this molecule an attractive vaccine candidate against asexual blood-stage P. vivax. Similar to other Plasmodium blood-stage vaccine candidates, strain-specific immunity due to DBPII allelic variation may complicate vaccine efficacy. Targeting immune responses to more conserved epitopes that are potential targets of strain-transcending neutralising immunity is necessary to avoid induction of strain-specific responses to dominant variant epitopes. In this article, we focus on different ap...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology - October 12, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Ntumngia FB, King CL, Adams JH Tags: Int J Parasitol Source Type: research

Seaweed extracts as a natural control against the monogenean ectoparasite, Neobenedenia sp., infecting farmed barramundi (Lates calcarifer).
Abstract Aqueous extracts from common tropical seaweeds were evaluated for their effect on the life cycle of the commercially important ectoparasite, Neobenedenia sp. (Platyhelminthes: monogenea), through the survival of attached adult parasites, period of embryonic development, hatching success and oncomiracidia (larvae) infection success. There was no significant effect of any extract on the survival of adult parasites attached to fish hosts or infection success by oncomiracidia. However, the extracts of two seaweeds, Ulva sp. and Asparagopsis taxiformis, delayed embryonic development and inhibited egg hatching. ...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology - October 12, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: Hutson KS, Mata L, Paul NA, de Nys R Tags: Int J Parasitol Source Type: research

L. major NAD(P)H-cytochrome b5 Oxidoreductase [Lipids]
NAD(P)H cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase (Ncb5or), comprising cytochrome b5 and cytochrome b5 reductase domains, is widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms. Although Ncb5or plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism of mice, so far no Ncb5or gene has been reported in the unicellular parasitic protozoa Leishmania species. We have cloned, expressed, and characterized Ncb5or gene from Leishmania major. Steady state catalysis and spectral studies show that NADH can quickly reduce the ferric state of the enzyme to the ferrous state and is able to donate an electron(s) to external acceptors. To elucidate its exact physiological rol...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - October 12, 2012 Category: Chemistry Authors: Mukherjee, S., Sen Santara, S., Das, S., Bose, M., Roy, J., Adak, S. Tags: Enzymology Source Type: research

Maintaining effective mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis through in-process monitoring in Sierra Leone
Effective drug coverage in hard to reach locations was ensured during mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis implemented outside the normal season of availability for community health volunteers.Image: Rapid urbanization during and since the war has out-grown former community and ethnic demarcations.
Source: Parasites and Vectors - October 12, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Mary HodgesMustapha SonnieHamid TurayAbdulai ContehFlorence MacCarthySantigie Sesay Source Type: research

Real-time PCR diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax among blood donors
The paper presents a modified P. vivax diagnostic method applied to parasite detection in blood banks located in malaria endemic areas of Brazil.
Source: Malaria Journal - October 12, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sergio Batista-dos-SantosMilene RaiolSidney SantosMaristela CunhaÂndrea Ribeiro-dos-Santos Source Type: research

Paradoxical associations between soil-transmitted helminths and Plasmodium falciparum infection
This study explored the interactions between soil-transmitted helminth infections and uncomplicated falciparum malaria in an endemic area of Colombia. A paired case-control study matched by sex, age and location in Tierralta, Cordoba, was done between January and September 2010. The incident cases were 68 patients with falciparum malaria and 178 asymptomatic controls. A questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic variables. Additionally physical examinations were carried out, stool samples were analysed for intestinal parasites and blood samples for Ig E concentrations. We found associations between in...
Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - October 11, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Julián A. Fernández-Niño, Alvaro J. Idrovo, Zulma M. Cucunubá, Patricia Reyes-Harker, Ángela P. Guerra, Ligia I. Moncada, Myriam C. López, Sandra M. Barrera, Liliana J. Cortés, Mario Olivera, Rubén S. Nicholls Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

First-time comparison of the in vitro antimalarial activity of Artemisia annua herbal tea and artemisinin
Abstract: Artemisia annua tea has been proven to be a very effective treatment for malaria in various clinical trials, but to date its efficacy has not been investigated in vitro. A study was therefore performed to evaluate the effects of A. annua tea on Plasmodium falciparum cultures in vitro. The concentration of artemisinin in the herbal tea preparation was also determined. The herbal tea extract was tested against chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive D10 and CQ-resistant W2 strains of P. falciparum using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay. Quantification of artemisinin in the extract of leaves of A. annua was performed usi...
Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - October 11, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Antonella De Donno, Tiziana Grassi, Adele Idolo, Marcello Guido, Paride Papadia, Alessandro Caccioppola, Luciano Villanova, Alessandro Merendino, Francesco Bagordo, Francesco Paolo Fanizzi Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Comparison of different solar reactors for household disinfection of drinking water in developing countries: evaluation of their efficacy in relation to the waterborne enteropathogen Cryptosporidium parvum
In this study, the field efficacy of different static solar reactors [1.5 l transparent plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as well as 2.5 l borosilicate glass and 25 l methacrylate reactors fitted with compound parabolic concentrators (CPC)] for solar disinfection of turbid waters experimentally contaminated with C. parvum oocysts was compared. Potential oocyst viability was determined by inclusion/exclusion of the fluorogenic vital dye propidium iodide. The results demonstrate that static solar reactors fitted with CPCs are an excellent alternative to the conventional SODIS method with PET bottles. These rea...
Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - October 11, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: H. Gómez-Couso, M. Fontán-Sainz, C. Navntoft, P. Fernández-Ibáñez, E. Ares-Mazás Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Parasites and vectors carry no passport: how to fund cross-border and regional efforts to achieve malaria elimination
This paper, by performing a survey of multi-country grants disbursed by the Global Fund, highlights the successes and failures of past funding proposals and identifies interesting trends within successful applications. Multi-country grants are not as numerous as single country applications, but the authors make an attempt to justify why these grants are preferable in some cases. The issue of cross-border transmission is of importance as long as it does not just serve as a way for a country to blame neighbours for its own short-comings.
Source: Malaria Journal - October 11, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Cara Smith GueyeAlexandra TengKelvin KinyuaFrank WafulaRoly GoslingDavid McCoy Source Type: research

Heligmosmoides polygyrus fourth stages induce protection against DSS‐induced colitis and change opioid expression in the intestine
Summary Primary exposure of mice to the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection reduces inflammation in an experimental model of colitis. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate whether the reduced inflammation provoked by H. polygyrus L4 larvae in BALB/c mice treated with dextran sulphate sodium is associated with changed expression of opioids in the small intestine and colon. Colitis was induced by 5% Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) oral administration for 3 days before oral infection with 200 infective larvae (L3) H. polygyrus until the end of the experiment, 6 days post‐infection. Clinical disease...
Source: Parasite Immunology - October 11, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: K. DONSKOW‐ŁYSONIEWSKA, P. MAJEWSKI, K. BRODACZEWSKA, K. JÓŹWICKA, M. DOLIGALSKA Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Flow cytometry technique for analysing Leishmania promastigote phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes
In this study, we developed a flow cytometry technique for studying Leishmania (L.) mexicana phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) and monocytes. Leishmania promastigotes are elongated in shape and flagellated. This influences the light scatter when phagocytosis is measured by flow cytometry. Accordingly, we developed an oxidative burst method for measuring the phagocytic process. As this is an indirect marker of phagocytosis, we used confocal, light and electron microscopy to verify that promastigotes were, indeed, internalized by the phagocytes. For both PMNs and monocytes, the optimal conditions for ...
Source: Parasite Immunology - October 11, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: K. REBBESTAD, S. HERREDSVELA, S. SORNES, G. E. EIDE, K. E. MÜLLER, E. SPRIET, H. SJURSEN, A. NAESS Source Type: research

Structural and immunological characterization of sulphatides: relevance of sulphate moieties in Trypanosoma cruzi glycoconjugates
Summary Sulphoglycosphingolipids, present on the surface of diverse cells, participate in the regulation of various cellular events. However, little is known about the structure and the role of sulphoglycosphingolipids in trypanosomatids. Herein, sulphated dihexosylceramide structures – composed mainly of sphingosine as the long chain base acylated with stearic acid – have been determined for the first time in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes by UV‐MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. Interestingly, inhibition ELISA assays using cruzipain as antigen and polyclonal rabbit antibodies specific for cruzipain, the major cysteine pro...
Source: Parasite Immunology - October 11, 2012 Category: Parasitology Authors: D. M. ACOSTA, L. L. SOPRANO, M. R. FERRERO, M. I. ESTEVA, A. RIARTE, A. S. COUTO, V. G. DUSCHAK Source Type: research

The association between malaria parasitaemia, erythrocyte polymorphisms, malnutrition and anaemia in children less than 10 years in Senegal: a case control study
Conclusion: Malaria parasitaemia, stunting and haemoglobin genetic disorders represented the major causes of anaemia among study participants. Anaemia control in this area could be achieved by developing integrated interventions targeting both malaria and malnutrition.
Source: BioMed Central - October 11, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Roger CK TineMagatte NdiayeHelle Holm HanssonCheikh T NdourBabacar FayeMichael AlifrangisK SyllaJean L NdiayePascal MagnussenIb C BygbjergOumar Gaye Source Type: research

The Transcription Factor GATA3 Is Essential for the Function of Human Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells
Jenny Mjösberg, Jochem Bernink, Korneliusz Golebski, Julien J. Karrich, Charlotte P. Peters, Bianca Blom, Anje A. te Velde, Wytske J. Fokkens, Cornelis M. van Drunen, Hergen Spits. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are part of a large family of ILCs that are important effectors in innate immunity, lymphoid organogenesis, and tissue remodeling. ILC2s mediate parasite expul....
Source: Immunity - October 10, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Is paromomycin the drug of choice for eradication of Blastocystis in adults?
This study showed that (1) Blastocystis was frequently observed in the stools of our patient group (34 %), (2) spontaneous clearance of Blastocystis infections occurred only in a small proportion of patients (22 %), and therefore (3) drug treatment is required for more efficient eradication of Blastocystis. Paromomycin exhibited superior performance in comparison to both metronidazole and clioquinol. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory NotePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s10156-012-0496-2Authors Jaap J. van Hellemond, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre and ...
Source: Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy - October 10, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy Source Type: research

Failed malaria drug regains its potency
Decades of misuse helped the malaria parasite evolve resistance to chloroquine – but the parasite now seems to be susceptible again
Source: New Scientist - Health - October 10, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: research

Enzymatic antioxidant system in the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta after chronic infection of the rat
Conclusions  Our results show that the enzymatic antioxidant system of H. diminuta, allows the parasite to adapt and live under conditions of chronic oxidative stress. It suggests an oxidative-antioxidative balance during interactions between parasite and host. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlePages 987-995DOI 10.2478/s11535-012-0087-3Authors Hanna Czeczot, Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, PolandMichał Skrzycki, Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, PolandMonika Majewska, Chair and Depar...
Source: Central European Journal of Biology - October 10, 2012 Category: Biology Tags: Central European Journal of Biology Source Type: research