MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Trends in Parasitology' source. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:43:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658194&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22300805%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Göringer HU Abstract Aptamers are short, synthetic nucleic acid molecules. They are generated by a Darwinian-type in vitro evolution method known as 'systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment' (SELEX). SELEX represents an experimental platform to identify rare ligands with predetermined functionality from combinatorial nucleic acid libraries. Since its discovery about 20 years ago the method has been instrumental in identifying a large number of aptamers that recognize targets of very different chemistry and molecular complexity. Although aptamers have been converted into sophisticated biomolecular tools for a diverse set of technologies, only a limited number of aptamers have been selected as binding reagents for parasites or parasite-derived molecules. H... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658194 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658193&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22300806%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scott TW, Takken W Abstract Vector-borne disease specialists have traditionally assumed that in each egg-laying cycle mosquitoes take a single bloodmeal that is used for egg development and feed on plant sugars for flight and production of energy reserves. Here we review research showing that for two of the most important vectors of human pathogens (Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti) imbibing multiple bloodmeals during a gonotrophic cycle while foregoing sugar feeding is a common behaviour, not an exception. By feeding preferentially and frequently on human blood these species increase their fitness and exponentially boost the basic reproduction rate of pathogens they transmit. Although the epidemiological outcome is similar, there are important differences in processes ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658193 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5658192&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22300807%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guilbride DL, Guilbride PD, Gawlinski P Abstract The role skin plays in malaria infection has long been overlooked. Recent analysis, however, suggests skin-infecting sporozoites initiate rapid suppression of immunity, establishing early tolerance to subsequent lifecycle stages. This explains susceptibility to reinfection by mosquito bite, independent of blood stage-induced immunosuppression or semi-immunity. Vaccine trials corroborate skin-initiated immunosubversion due to skin-infecting forms, tightly correlating bite pre-exposure, live parasites in the skin and endemic vaccine failure. Rapidly advancing skin immunobiology and recently described parasite development in host skin further substantiate the proposed model, consolidating a new concept in parasite biology, exem... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5658192 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5658192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638870&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22277131%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rodriguez A, Tarleton RL Abstract Parasitic neglected diseases are in dire need of new drugs either to replace old drugs rendered ineffective because of resistance development, to cover clinical needs that had never been addressed or to tackle other associated problems of existing drugs such as high cost, difficult administration, restricted coverage or toxicity. The availability of transgenic parasites expressing reporter genes facilitates the discovery of new drugs through high throughput screenings, but also by allowing rapid screening in animal models of disease. Taking advantage of these, we propose an alternative pathway of drug development for neglected diseases, going from high throughput screening directly into in vivo testing of the top ranked compounds selected ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638870 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638869&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22277132%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jonsson NN, Bock RE, Jorgensen WK, Morton JM, Stear MJ Abstract Endemic stability is a widely used term in the epidemiology of ticks and tick-borne diseases. It is generally accepted to refer to a state of a host-tick-pathogen interaction in which there is a high level of challenge of calves by infected ticks, absence of clinical disease in calves despite infection, and a high level of immunity in adult cattle with consequent low incidence of clinical disease. Although endemic stability is a valid epidemiological concept, the modelling studies that underpinned subsequent studies on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases were specific to a single host-tick-pathogen system, and values derived from these models should not be applied in other regions or host-tick-pathogen sys... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638869 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5638871&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22265755%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matijatko V, Torti M, Schetters TP Abstract Babesiosis, recognized since ancient times as an important disease of livestock and more recently as an emerging disease in dogs worldwide, is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genus Babesia and is transmitted by ticks. The pathophysiology of canine babesiosis has been extensively studied but many questions remain unanswered, especially regarding the diversity of disease manifestations in different European countries. Continued investigation of the similarities and differences in host-parasite interplay in canine babesiosis in different European countries should lead to a better understanding of the disease process, potentially leading to better prediction of disease outcome and the development of new treatment modaliti... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5638871 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5638871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5620734&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22257555%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Reese ML, Boyle JP Abstract A hallmark of the pathogenic lifestyle is the secretion of enzymes and other effectors that dysregulate host signaling. Intriguingly, the most potent virulence locus identified in the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii encodes a family of related catalytically inactive protein kinases, or pseudokinases. Toxoplasma has in its kinome among the highest percentage of pseudokinases among all sequenced organisms, and the majority of these appear to be secreted into the host cell. We posit that the pseudokinase fold represents a particularly well-suited domain for functional diversification, discuss the relevance of gene expansion at these loci, and outline potential mechanisms by which a pseudokinase might affect host signaling. PMID: 222575... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5620734 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5620734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5620733&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22257556%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bancroft AJ, Hayes KS, Grencis RK Abstract Mammals, microflora and gut-dwelling macrofauna have co-evolved over many millions of years until relatively recently when the geographical prevalence of macrofauna in humans has become restricted to the developing world. Immune homeostasis relies on a balance in the composition of intestinal microflora; long-lived macrofauna have also been shown to regulate immune function, and their absence in Western lifestyles is suggested to be a factor for the increasing frequency of allergy and autoimmunity. The intestinal nematode Trichuris muris was recently demonstrated to utilise microflora to initiate its life cycle. The interdependence on one another of all three factors is such that when the balance is perturbed it must be realigned ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5620733 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5620733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5598852&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22245065%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kjetland EF, Leutscher PD, Ndhlovu PD Abstract In a review of the studies on genital schistosomiasis, the cervix, the Fallopian tubes, and the vagina are the most common gynaecological sites to harbour Schistosoma haematobium. Lesions are caused by host responses to dead or viable schistosomiasis eggs and may render women with genital schistosomiasis susceptible to HIV. The typical genital changes, such as sandy patches and pathological blood vessels may make women susceptible to super-infection, cause contact bleeding, decreased fertility, abortions, discharge and bleeding. Further research is needed to find simple, low-tech diagnostic methods, treatment for chronic lesions, and to explore the preventive effects of mass drug administration on symptoms, sandy patches, HPV ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5598852 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5598852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5548827&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22192816%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Willert E, Phillips MA Abstract The polyamine biosynthetic pathway is an important drug target for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), raising interest in understanding polyamine function and their mechanism of regulation. Polyamine levels are tightly controlled in mammalian cells, but similar regulatory mechanisms appear absent in trypanosomes. Instead trypanosomatid S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC), which catalyzes a key step in the biosynthesis of the polyamine spermidine, is activated by dimerization with an inducible protein termed prozyme. Prozyme is an inactive paralog of the active AdoMetDC enzyme that evolved by gene duplication and is found only in the trypanosomatids. In Trypanosoma brucei, AdoMetDC activity appears to be controlle... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5548827 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5548827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5548826&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22192817%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Andersson JO Abstract Diplomonads, single-celled eukaryotes, are unusual in having two nuclei. Each nucleus contains two copies of the genome and is transcriptionally active. It has long been assumed that diplomonads in general and Giardia intestinalis in particular are asexual. Genomic and population genetic data now challenge that assumption and extensive allelic sequence heterogeneity has been reported in some but not all examined diplomonad lineages. Here it is argued, in contrast to common assumptions, that allelic differences indicate recent sexual events, and isolates that have divided asexually for many generations have lost their allelic variation owing to within-cell recombination. Consequently, directed studies of the allelic sequence heterogeneity in diverse di... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5548826 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5548826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5533315&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22178537%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tham WH, Healer J, Cowman AF Abstract The global agenda for malaria eradication would benefit from development of a highly efficacious vaccine that protects against disease and interrupts transmission of Plasmodium falciparum. It is likely that such a vaccine will be multi-component, with antigens from different stages of the parasite life cycle. In this review, inclusion of blood stage antigens in such a vaccine is discussed. Erythrocyte binding-like (EBL) and P. falciparum reticulocyte binding-like (PfRh) proteins are reviewed with respect to their function in erythrocyte invasion, their role in eliciting antibodies contributing to protective immunity and reduction of invasion, leading subsequently to inhibition of parasite multiplication. PMID: 22178537 [PubMed - as... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5533315 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5533315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5474340&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22118814%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Markus MB Abstract This analysis principally concerns biological aspects of dormancy in mammalian malaria, with particular reference to the hypnozoite. Research is needed to reveal what happens to sporozoites of Plasmodium cynomolgi between the time of inoculation and when hypnozoites are first seen in the liver 36-40h later. It is likely that hypnozoites of relapsing malarial parasites will prove to be directly sporozoite-derived rather than merozoite-derived. There is indirect evidence that, contrary to what is generally assumed, activation of hypnozoites might not be the only cause of recurrent Plasmodium vivax malaria. Latent stages pose a threat to success in eradicating malaria; some suggestions are therefore made for demystifying work on hypnozoites and quiescent me... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5474340 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5474340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5439693&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22100995%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stephens R, Culleton RL, Lamb TJ Abstract Malaria kills close to a million people every year, mostly children under the age of five. In the drive towards the development of an effective vaccine and new chemotherapeutic targets for malaria, field-based studies on human malaria infection and laboratory-based studies using animal models of malaria offer complementary opportunities to further our understanding of the mechanisms behind malaria infection and pathology. We outline here the parallels between the Plasmodium chabaudi mouse model of malaria and human malaria. We will highlight the contribution of P. chabaudi to our understanding of malaria in particular, how the immune response in malaria infection is initiated and regulated, its role in pathology, and how immunologi... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5439693 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5439693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5439694&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22088944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Docampo R, Lukeš J Abstract The ability of mitochondria to take up Ca(2+) was discovered 50 years ago. This calcium uptake, through a mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), is important not only for the regulation of cellular ATP concentration but also for more complex pathways such as shaping Ca(2+) signals and the activation of programmed cell death. The molecular nature of the uniporter remained unknown for decades. By a comparative study of mitochondrial protein profiles of organisms lacking or possessing MCU, such as yeast in the former case and vertebrates and trypanosomes in the latter, two groups recently found the protein that possesses all the characteristics of the MCU. These results add another success story to the already substantial contributions of trypanos... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5439694 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5439694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418969&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079162%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Daschner A, Cuéllar C, Rodero M Abstract Allergic phenomena share common pathways with the immune response against helminth parasites. The definitions regarding allergens and their related concepts have their roots in the area of allergy research. The experience with the fish parasite Anisakis simplex-associated allergic features still nurtures an open debate on the necessity of larvae being alive to induce allergic reactions such as urticaria or anaphylaxis. Conceptual definitions of allergen, major allergen, as well as putatively crossreacting antibodies, as are used in food allergy, depend on the clinical relevance of specific IgE and deserve careful interpretation in the various forms of A. simplex-associated allergic features. Conversely, an evolutionary based interp... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418969 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418968&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079163%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sabesan S, Jambulingam P PMID: 22079163 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418968 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418967&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079164%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Robert-Gangneux F, Murat JB, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Gangneux JP, Pelloux H Abstract Systemic infections, such as toxoplasmosis, acquired during pregnancy can lead to placental infection and have profound effects on the mother-to-child relationship and the success of pregnancy. Placental permeability to Toxoplasma gondii is a main parameter that determines parasite transmission to the foetus, and the use of antibiotics to decrease placental parasite load and prevent congenital toxoplasmosis has been suggested for decades. Although parasitological examination of the placenta at birth is commonly used to diagnose neonatal congenital toxoplasmosis, this approach can be controversial. Here we argue in favour of placental examination for both diagnostic and epid... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418967 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5418966&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mackenzie CD, Homeida MM, Hopkins AD, Lawrence JC Abstract Human onchocerciasis, a parasitic disease found in 28 African countries, six Latin American countries and Yemen, causes blindness and severe dermatological problems. In 1987, efforts to control this infection shifted from vector approaches to include the mass distribution of ivermectin - a drug donated by Merck & Co. for disease control in Africa and for disease elimination in the Americas. Currently, almost 25 years later, with the Americas being highly successful and now approaching elimination, new evidence points towards the possibility of successful elimination in Africa. We suggest several major changes in the programmatic approach that through focused goal-directed effort could achieve global elimination... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5418966 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5418966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379335&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22024648%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Swain MT, Larkin DM, Caffrey CR, Davies SJ, Loukas A, Skelly PJ, Hoffmann KF Abstract Schistosoma genomes provide a comprehensive resource for identifying the molecular processes that shape parasite evolution and for discovering novel chemotherapeutic or immunoprophylactic targets. Here, we demonstrate how intragenus and intergenus comparative genomics can be used to drive these investigations forward, illustrate the advantages and limitations of these approaches and review how post-genomic technologies offer complementary strategies for genome characterisation. Although sequencing and functional characterisation of other schistosome/platyhelminth genomes continues to expedite anthelmintic discovery, we contend that future priorities should equally focus on improving assem... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379335 Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379336&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22015112%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prudêncio M, Mota MM, Mendes AM Abstract The first obligatory phase of mammalian infection by Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, occurs in the liver of the host. This stage of Plasmodium infection bears enormous potential for anti-malarial intervention. Recent technological progress has strongly contributed to overcoming some of the long-standing difficulties in experimentally assessing hepatic infection by Plasmodium. Here, we review appropriate infection models and infection assessment tools, and provide a comprehensive description of recent advances in experimental strategies to investigate the liver stage of malaria. These issues are discussed in the context of current challenges in the field to provide researchers with the technical tools that ena... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379336 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5379337&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21996375%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smith T, Schapira A Abstract The malariologist Lewis Wendell Hackett famously observed that, "Like chess, (malaria) is played with a few pieces, but is capable of an infinite variety of situations". This paper discusses one such piece, the Red Queen. Red Queen phenomena arise when an intensification of effort leads to a need for further intensification to maintain the new status quo. Such phenomena represent dangers for current strategies to combat the disease. Understanding reproduction numbers is key to understanding these dangers. In this paper, we show why the variability and dynamics of reproduction numbers is important for analyzing the effects of interventions against malaria. This has importance for both formal modeling of malaria and for planning malaria intervent... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5379337 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5379337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5312065&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21982477%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Castillo JC, Reynolds SE, Eleftherianos I Abstract Host innate immunity plays a central role in detecting and eliminating microbial pathogenic infections in both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. Entomopathogenic or insect pathogenic nematodes are of particular importance for the control of insect pests and vectors of pathogens, while insect-borne nematodes cause serious diseases in humans. Recent work has begun to use the power of insect models to investigate host-nematode interactions and uncover host antiparasitic immune reactions. This review describes recent findings on innate immune evasion strategies of parasitic nematodes and host cellular and humoral responses to the infection. Such information can be used to model diseases caused by human parasitic nematodes a... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5312065 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5312065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5277190&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21943801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mekhaiel DN, Daniel-Ribeiro CT, Cooper PJ, Pleass RJ Abstract The 'hygiene hypothesis', or lack of microbial and parasite exposure during early life, is postulated as an explanation for the recent increase in autoimmune and allergic diseases in developed countries. The favored mechanism is that microbial and parasite-derived products interact directly with pathogen recognition receptors to subvert proinflammatory signaling via T regulatory cells, thereby inducing anti-inflammatory effects and control of autoimmune disease. Parasites, such as helminths, are considered to have a major role in the induction of immune regulatory mechanisms among children living in developing countries. Invoking Occam's razor, we believe we can select an alternative mechanism to explain the hyg... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5277190 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5277190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218520&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21893431%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Eshar S, Dahan-Pasternak N, Weiner A, Dzikowski R Abstract Apicomplexan parasites exhibit a great variety of complex life cycles that require adaptation to different niches of parasitism. They invade different host cells and highjack their biological functions. Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for the deadliest form of human malaria, causes disease while completely remodeling the erythrocytes of its human host through mechanisms that are only partly understood. Recent developments in ultrastructural technologies offer new opportunities to investigate fundamental aspects in the biology of the parasite in a three-dimensional (3D) perspective. Here we bring together recent work on host cell invasion, hemoglobin uptake, protein export and nuclear dynamics. A comprehensive 3D... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218520 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5218519&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21893432%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Melo MB, Jensen KD, Saeij JP Abstract Toxoplasma is a highly successful parasite that establishes a life-long chronic infection. To do this, it must carefully regulate immune activation and host cell effector mechanisms. Here we review the latest developments in our understanding of how Toxoplasma counteracts the immune response of the host, and in some cases provokes it, through the use of specific parasite effector proteins. An emerging theme from these discoveries is that Toxoplasma effectors are master regulators of the pro-inflammatory response, which elicits many of the toxoplasmacidal mechanisms of the host. We speculate that combinations of these effectors present in certain Toxoplasma strains work to maintain an optimal parasite burden in different hosts to ensure... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5218519 Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5218519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192549&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21885343%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maule AG, McVeigh P, Dalzell JJ, Atkinson L, Mousley A, Marks NJ Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) has revolutionised approaches to gene function determination. From a parasitology perspective, gene function studies have the added dimension of providing validation data, increasingly deemed essential to the initial phases of drug target selection, pre-screen development. Notionally advantageous to those working on nematode parasites is the fact that Caenorhabditis elegans research spawned RNAi discovery and continues to seed our understanding of its fundamentals. Unfortunately, RNAi data for nematode parasites illustrate variable and inconsistent susceptibilities which undermine confidence and exploitation. Now well-ensconced in an era of nematode parasite genomics, we can b... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192549 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5192550&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21873114%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bouma MJ, Baeza A, Terveen A, Pascual M PMID: 21873114 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5192550 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5192550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175021&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21862412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maréchal E, Riou M, Kerboeuf D, Beugnet F, Chaminade P, Loiseau PM Abstract Advances in lipid separation methods and mass spectrometry technologies allow the fine characterization of the lipidome of parasites, ranging from unicellular protists to worms, which cause threatening infections in vertebrates, including humans. Specific lipid structures or lipid metabolic pathways can inspire the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. Changes in the lipid balance in membranes of parasites can also provide clues on the dynamics of drugs and some mechanisms of drug resistance. This review highlights recent trends in parasite lipidomics, combined with functional analyses, for the discovery of novel targets and the development of novel drugs. PMID: 21862412 [PubMed - as suppl... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175021 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5141248&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21840260%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hakimi MA, Cannella D Abstract RNA silencing plays a major role in innate antiviral and antibacterial defenses in plants, insects, and animals through the action of microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs can act in favor of the microorganism, either when it is pathogen-encoded or when the microorganism subverts host miRNAs to its benefit. Recent data point to the possibility that apicomplexan parasites have developed tactics to interfere with host miRNA populations in a parasite-specific manner, thereby identifying the RNA-silencing pathway as a new means to reshape their cellular environment. This review highlights the current understanding and new insights concerning the mechanisms that could be involved and the potential roles of the host microRNome (miRNome) in apicomplexan infect... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5141248 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5141248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5141247&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21840261%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yoshida N, Tyler KM, Llewellyn MS Abstract Food-borne parasitic diseases, many known to be more prevalent in poor countries with deficient sanitary conditions, are becoming common worldwide. Among the emerging protozoan parasites, the most prominent is Trypanosoma cruzi, rarely reported in the past to be transmitted by the oral route but currently responsible for frequent outbreaks of acute cases of Chagas disease contracted orally and characterized by high mortality. Several other food-borne protozoans considered emerging include the apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium, as well as Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica. Here, the interactions of these protozoans with the mucosal epithelia of the host are discussed. PMID: 21840261 [PubMed - as supplied by pu... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5141247 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5141247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051641&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21775209%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aguilar-Díaz H, Carrero JC, Argüello-García R, Laclette JP, Morales-Montor J Certain protozoan parasites use survival strategies to reside outside the host such as the formation of cysts. This dormant and resistant stage results from the complex process of encystment that involves diverse molecular and cellular modifications. The stimuli and changes associated with cyst biogenesis are a matter of ongoing studies in human and animal protozoan parasites such as amoeba and Giardia species because blocking every step in the encystment pathway should, in theory, interrupt their life cycles. The present review thoroughly examines this essential process in those protozoan parasites and discusses the possibility of using that information to develop new kinds of anti-parasite specif... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051641 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5051641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051640&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21775210%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Innes EA, Rose JB, Cook N, Hadfield SJ, Pollock KG, Robertson L, Kusel J, Doenhoff M PMID: 21775210 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051640 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5051640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051642&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21764378%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kissinger JC, Debarry J Genes reside in particular genomic contexts that can be mapped at many levels. Historically, 'genetic maps' were used primarily to locate genes. Recent technological advances in the determination of genome sequences have made the analysis and comparison of whole genomes possible and increasingly tractable. What do we see if we shift our focus from gene content (the 'inventory' of genes contained within a genome) to the composition and organization of a genome? This review examines what has been learned about the evolution of the apicomplexan genome as well as the significance and impact of genomic location on our understanding of the eukaryotic genome and parasite biology. PMID: 21764378 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasit... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051642 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5051642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051643&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21757405%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bruschi F PMID: 21757405 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051643 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5051643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051644&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21741312%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jackson KE, Habib S, Frugier M, Hoen R, Khan S, Pham JS, Pouplana LR, Royo M, Santos MA, Sharma A, Ralph SA The protein translation machinery of the parasite Plasmodium is the target of important anti-malarial drugs, and encompasses many promising targets for future drugs. Plasmodium parasites have three subcellular compartments that house genomes; the nucleus, mitochondrion and apicoplast, and each requires its own compartmentalized transcription and translation apparatus for survival. Despite the availability of the complete genome sequence that should reveal the requisite elements for all three compartments, our understanding of the translation machineries is patchy. We review what is known about cytosolic and organellar translation in Plasmodium and discuss the molecules t... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051644 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5051644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051645&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21737348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Siegel TN, Gunasekera K, Cross GA, Ochsenreiter T Trypanosoma brucei undergoes major biochemical and morphological changes during its development from the bloodstream form in the mammalian host to the procyclic form in the midgut of its insect host. The underlying regulation of gene expression, however, is poorly understood. More than 60% of the predicted genes remain annotated as hypothetical, and the 5' and 3' untranslated regions important for regulation of gene expression are unknown for >90% of the genes. In this review, we compare the data from four recently published high-throughput RNA sequencing studies in light of the different experimental setups and discuss how these data can enhance genome annotation and give insights into the regulation of gene expression in T... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051645 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5051645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5001466&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21727027%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Foy BD, Kobylinski KC, Silva IM, Rasgon JL, Sylla M Systemic endectocidal drugs, used to control nematodes in humans and other vertebrates, can be toxic to Anopheles spp. mosquitoes when they take a blood meal from a host that has recently received one of these drugs. Recent laboratory and field studies have highlighted the potential of ivermectin to control malaria parasite transmission if this drug is distributed strategically and more often. There are important theoretical benefits to this strategy, as well as caveats. A better understanding of drug effects against vectors and malaria ecologies are needed. In the near future, ivermectin and other endectocides could serve as potent and novel malaria transmission control tools that are directly linked to the control of neglec... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5001466 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5001466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5001467&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21697014%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weiss B, Aksoy S Insect symbioses lack the complexity and diversity of those associated with higher eukaryotic hosts. Symbiotic microbiomes are beneficial to their insect hosts in many ways, including dietary supplementation, tolerance to environmental perturbations and maintenance and/or enhancement of host immune system homeostasis. Recent studies have also highlighted the importance of the microbiome in the context of host pathogen transmission processes. Here we provide an overview of the relationship between insect disease vectors, such as tsetse flies and mosquitoes, and their associated microbiome. Several mechanisms are discussed through which symbiotic microbes can influence the ability of their host to transmit pathogens, as well as potential disease control strategi... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5001467 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5001467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958021&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21680245%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe here the multifaceted nature of host specificity, summarize the indices available to measure its different facets one at a time or in combination, and discuss their implications for parasite evolution and disease epidemiology. PMID: 21680245 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958021 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958020&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21680246%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sears BF, Rohr JR, Allen JE, Martin LB In ecology, tolerance of parasites refers to host mitigation of the fitness costs of an infection. This concept of parasite tolerance contrasts with resistance, whereby hosts reduce the intensity of an infection. Anti-inflammatory cells and molecules have been implicated as mechanisms of parasite tolerance, suggesting that a major role of tolerance is in minimizing collateral damage associated with inflammation. A framework is proposed here in which the cost-benefit outcome of an inflammatory host-response is hypothesized to be dependent on host life-history, parasite virulence, and the efficacy of a current inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response. Testable predictions, both within and among host species, are presented for this hypothe... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958020 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958022&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664186%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cross GA PMID: 21664186 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958022 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958025&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21659001%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tyler JS, Treeck M, Boothroyd JC Apicomplexan parasites exhibit an unusual mechanism of host cell penetration. A central player in this process is the protein apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). Although essential for invasion, the precise functional roles AMA1 plays have been unclear. Several recent studies have provided important functional insight into its role within the multiprotein complex that comprises the moving junction (MJ). Initially formed at the apical tip of the invading parasite, the MJ represents a ring-like region of contact between the surfaces of the invading parasite and the host cell as the invaginated host plasma membrane is forced inward by the penetrating parasite. This review discusses these and other recent insights into AMA1 with particular emphasis o... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958025 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958024&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21659002%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Black WC, Alphey L, James AA History teaches that sterile insect technique (SIT) is a feasible strategy for mosquito population suppression. Female killing (FK) technologies developed later theoretically had greater potential than SIT, but depended upon chromosomal translocations. Unfortunately these were genetically unstable. New transgenic strategies have been misinterpreted as a replacement for SIT. Instead these strategies provide a means to revisit FK. Conditional lethal mutations inserted into mosquito genomes allow for adjustment of the age of mortality, female-specific lethality, bisexual lethality and manipulation of germline-specific gene expression. A recent Aedes aegypti case study demonstrates the viability of one of these new transgenic strategies. PMID: 2165... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958024 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4958023&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21659003%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wastling SL, Welburn SC In 1997 the World Health Organization (WHO) advocated increased access to diagnosis and treatment, as well as reinforcement of surveillance, for the control of sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis, HAT). This coincided with the end of decades of civil conflicts in several endemic regions and negotiation of a sustainable supply of 'free' curative drugs and, as a result, HAT is at its lowest level in 50 years. However, reported cases underestimate prevalence and downplay HAT when compared with data generated by advanced diagnostic capacity for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and, because HAT case numbers fall between epidemics, diagnostics become less commercially appealing. Here recent trends in the developm... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4958023 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4958023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4856613&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21596622%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harhay MO, Olliaro PL, Costa DL, Costa CH Since the early 1980s, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) which is, in general, a rural zoonotic disease, has spread to the urban centers of the north, and now the south and west of Brazil. The principal drivers differ between cities, though human migration, large urban canid populations (animal reservoir), and a decidedly peripatetic and adaptable sand fly vector are the primary forces. The exact number of urban cases remains unclear as a result of challenges with surveillance. However, the number of urban cases registered continues to increase annually. Most control initiatives (e.g. culling infected dogs and household spraying to kill the sand fly) could be effective, but have proven hard to maintain at large scales due to logistical, fina... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4856613 Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4856613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4856621&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21592861%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Anders RF New technologies and some disillusionment with subunit vaccines has led to increased interest in the development of whole parasite vaccines for malaria. Instead, the current priority should be to build on the partial success of the recombinant protein sporozoite vaccine, RTS,S. There are many possible options for delivering a subunit vaccine but the simplest option, formulating recombinant proteins in an adjuvant, should be fully explored. Numerous options exist for inducing heightened immune responses and for tackling the problem of diversity, but development of recombinant protein subunit vaccines requires a more detailed knowledge of the conformation of the leading vaccine candidates. PMID: 21592861 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasi... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4856621 Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4856621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4856622&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21570915%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maia C, Campino L Canine and human zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, which is transmitted by the bite of infected phlebotomine sand flies, is a serious public health problem in the Mediterranean basin and Latin America. Among reports on newly identified mammalian hosts recurrently found infected with L. infantum, those regarding domestic cats deserve attention for the potential implications to public health. It has been shown that these animals cohabiting with humans can be infected (although only a few cases develop disease) and harbor parasites in an available way for transmission to competent vectors. Nonetheless, their role as reservoir hosts is still controversial. PMID: 21570915 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4856622 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4856622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804397&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21550851%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pifer R, Yarovinsky F Primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii stimulates production of high levels of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) by cells of the innate immune system. These two cytokines are central to resistance to T. gondii. Signaling through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) adaptor protein MyD88 is indispensible for activating early innate immune responses. Recent studies have established that TLR11 plays a dominant role in sensing T. gondii. At the same time, TLR11 is represented in humans only by a pseudogene, and the major question of how innate and adaptive immune responses occur in the absence of TLR11 remains unanswered. In this article, similarities and differences in sensors and effector molecules that determine host resistance to the parasite in... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804397 Thu, 05 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804411&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21474380%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Parsons M, Myler PJ, Berriman M, Roos DS, Stuart KD Recent years have seen an explosion in the availability of protozoan pathogen genome sequences. Although data regarding the underlying genome sequence remain relatively stable after the initial draft, understanding of specific gene function is increasing rapidly. This dichotomy is reflected in the relative stability of systematic gene identifiers (SysIDs(*)) in genome sequence databases, as compared to evolving and/or conflicting gene and gene product names. GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession numbers are important, but most protozoan parasite researchers use organism-based databases such as EuPathDB or GeneDB as their immediate resource for gene-based information because they not only provide sequence information but also functional... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804411 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804405&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21507718%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Siddiqui R, Emes R, Elsheikha H, Khan NA Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis generally develops as a result of haematogenous spread, but it is unclear how circulating amoebae enter the central nervous system (CNS) and cause inflammation. At present, the mechanisms which Acanthamoeba use to invade this incredibly well-protected area of the CNS and produce infection are not well understood. In this paper, we propose two key virulence factors: mannose-binding protein and extracellular serine proteases as key players in Acanthamoeba traversal of the blood-brain barrier leading to neuronal injury. Both molecules should provide excellent opportunities as potential targets in the rational development of therapeutic interventions against Acanthamoeba encephalitis. PMID: 215077... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804405 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804401&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531626%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Harris NL Intestinal helminths infect approximately 2 billion people worldwide. Worm burdens correlate with disease morbidity and children generally harbor the largest numbers. The majority of intestinal helminths do not replicate within their host, and worm burdens increase through constant reinfection. Current strategies of worm control involve drug administration to school-aged children. Yet the rapid rate of reinfection and the appearance of drug resistant strains in livestock raise concerns over the sustainable nature of this strategy. A combined strategy of drug treatment for the expulsion of adult worms and vaccination designed to halt reinfection would offer the most effective means of control. Before successful vaccines can be developed our knowledge of the initiation... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804401 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804400&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531627%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Douradinha B, Doolan DL In recent years, groundbreaking advances have been made in understanding the biology of and immune mechanisms against the Plasmodium spp. parasite, the causative agent of malaria. Novel features of the Plasmodium life cycle have been unravelled and immune mechanisms, which take place during both infection and immunization, have been dissected. We have undoubtedly enhanced our knowledge, but the question now is how to use this information to manipulate immune responses against Plasmodium and to develop an efficacious malaria vaccine. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in the field and speculate on how immune responses against Plasmodium could be harnessed for rational vaccine design and application. PMID: 21531627 [PubMed - as supplie... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804400 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804399&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531628%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Long GH, Boots M Immunopathology (immune-mediated pathology) is a ubiquitous cause of disease during infection, but how will parasite exploitation strategies evolve in its presence? Immunopathology can act to increase parasite fitness if it increases transmission rate, but can equally act to decrease parasite fitness if it increases host mortality. The focus here is on understanding how immunopathology, mediated through different immune mechanisms, can influence parasite fitness and how experimental manipulations of the immune system can be carried out to examine this. A better understanding of how parasite fitness scales with, or responds to, immunopathology is crucial to understanding the nature of selection acting on parasite virulence traits and will allow more informed pr... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804399 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804398&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21531629%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Niemann M, Schneider A, Cristodero M Trypanosomatids cause widespread disease in humans and animals. Treatment of many of these diseases is hampered by the lack of efficient and safe drugs. New strategies for drug development are therefore urgently needed. It has long been known that the single mitochondrion of trypanosomatids exhibits many unique features. Recently, the mitochondrial translation machinery of trypanosomatids has been the focus of several studies, which revealed interesting variations to the mammalian system. It is the aim of this article to review these unique features and to discuss them in the larger biological context. It is our opinion that some of these features represent promising novel targets for chemotherapeutic intervention that should be studied in ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804398 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804402&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21530403%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morley NJ PMID: 21530403 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804402 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804403&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21514227%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Good MF Now, 27 years following the cloning of malaria antigens with the promise of the rapid development of a malaria vaccine, we face significant obstacles that are belatedly being addressed. Poor immunogenicity of subunit vaccine antigens and significant antigenic diversity of target epitopes represent major hurdles for which there are no clear strategies for a way forward within the current paradigm. Thus, a different paradigm - a vaccine that uses the whole organism - is now being examined. Although most advances in this approach relate to a vaccine for the pre-erythrocytic stages (sporozoites, liver stages), this opinion paper will outline the possibilities of developing a whole parasite vaccine for the blood stage and address some of the challenges for this strategy, wh... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804403 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804404&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21507719%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Goel S, Gowda DC Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy results in the sequestration of infected red blood cells (IRBCs) in the placenta, contributing to pregnancy associated malaria (PAM). IRBC adherence is mediated by the binding of a variant Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding protein 1 named VAR2CSA to the low sulfated chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) proteoglycan (CSPG) present predominantly in the intervillous space of the placenta. IRBC binding is highly specific to the level and distribution of 4-sulfate groups in C4S. Given the strict specificity of IRBC-C4S interactions, it is better to use either placental CSPG or CSPGs bearing structurally similar C4S chains in defining VAR2CSA structural architecture that interact with C4S, evaluating VAR2CSA constructs... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804404 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804406&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497553%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Atayde VD, Tschudi C, Ullu E A new RNA world has emerged in the past 10 years with the discovery of a plethora of 20- to 30-nucleotide long small RNAs that are involved in various gene silencing mechanisms. These small RNAs have considerably changed our view of the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms, with a major shift towards epigenetic and post-transcriptional mechanisms. In this article, we focus on the striking diversity of small silencing RNAs that have been identified in several protozoan parasites and their potential biological role. PMID: 21497553 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804406 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804408&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497136%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Valkiūnas G, Ashford RW, Bensch S, Killick-Kendrick R, Perkins S PMID: 21497136 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804408 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804407&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21497137%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Antao T PMID: 21497137 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804407 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804410&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21493145%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ginsburg H, Tilley L PMID: 21493145 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804410 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804409&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21493146%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Conroy AL, McDonald CR, Silver KL, Liles WC, Kain KC Malaria infection is a significant risk factor for low birth weight outcomes in pregnancy. Despite efforts to define the molecular mechanisms that cause low birth weight as a result of intrauterine growth restriction, the roles of inflammation and mononuclear cells in the process are incompletely understood. Data from adverse pregnancy outcomes in humans and from murine models of pathological pregnancies suggest that C5a could be an important upstream regulator of placental angiogenesis, and excessive C5a could lead to functional placental insufficiency by impairing adequate vascularization of the placenta. Based on recent evidence, we hypothesize that complement factor C5a is a central initiator of poor birth outcomes assoc... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804409 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4804409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4804412&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21440507%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ralston KS, Petri WA Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis, a disease that is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The potent cytotoxic activity of the parasite appears to underlie disease pathogenesis, although the mechanism is unknown. Recently, progress has been made in determining that the parasite activates apoptosis in target cells and some putative effectors have been identified. Recent studies have also begun to unravel the host genetic determinants that influence infection outcome. Thus, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of how this parasite manages to infect, invade and ultimately inflict devastating tissue destruction. PMID: 21440507 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4804412 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4804412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4638229&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21435951%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schwenk RJ, Richie TL The development of a vaccine against malaria is a major research priority given the burden of disease, death and economic loss inflicted upon the tropical world by this parasite. Despite decades of effort, however, a vaccine remains elusive. The best candidate is a subunit vaccine termed RTS,S but this provides only partial protection against clinical disease. This review examines what is known about protective immunity against pre-erythrocytic stage malaria by considering the humoral and T cell-mediated immune responses that are induced by attenuated sporozoites and by the RTS,S vaccine. On the basis of these observations a set of research priorities are defined that are crucial for the development of a vaccine capable of inducing long-lasting and high-g... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4638229 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4638229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4638230&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21429801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Williams TN, Obaro SK More than 230 000 children are born in Africa with sickle cell disease (SCD) each year: approximately 85% of all affected births worldwide. Although malaria is commonly viewed as a major problem for African patients with this condition, questions still remain about its relative importance as a cause of ill heath and death. In the absence of definitive studies investigating the contribution of malaria to morbidity and mortality in African children with SCD, policy makers will continue to lack the evidence on which to base appropriate management guidelines. PMID: 21429801 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4638230 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4638230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4638231&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21420361%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Patil AP, Gething PW, Piel FB, Hay SI Maps of parasite prevalences and other aspects of infectious diseases that vary in space are widely used in parasitology. However, spatial parasitological datasets rarely, if ever, have sufficient coverage to allow exact determination of such maps. Bayesian geostatistics (BG) is a method for finding a large sample of maps that can explain a dataset, in which maps that do a better job of explaining the data are more likely to be represented. This sample represents the knowledge that the analyst has gained from the data about the unknown true map. BG provides a conceptually simple way to convert these samples to predictions of features of the unknown map, for example regional averages. These predictions account for each map in the sample, yi... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4638231 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4638231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4638233&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21419700%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Alfonzo JD, Lukeš J Trypanosoma brucei undergoes two clearly distinct develomental stages: in the insect vector (procyclic stage) the cells generate the bulk of their energy through respiration, whereas in the bloodstream of the mammalian host (bloodstream stage) they grow mostly glycolytically. Several mitochondrial respiratory proteins require iron-sulfur clusters for activity, and their activation coincides with developmental changes. Likewise some tRNA modification enzymes either require iron-sulfur clusters or use components of the iron-sulfur cluster assembly pathway for activity. These enzymes affect the anticodon loop of various tRNAs and can impact protein synthesis. Herein, the possibility of these pathways being integrated and exploited by T. brucei to carefully co... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4638233 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4638233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4638232&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21419701%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davidson R, Simard M, Kutz SJ, Kapel CM, Hamnes IS, Robertson LJ The significant impact on human and animal health from parasitic infections in tropical regions is well known, but parasites of medical and veterinary importance are also found in the Arctic. Subsistence hunting and inadequate food inspection can expose people of the Arctic to foodborne parasites. Parasitic infections can influence the health of wildlife populations and thereby food security. The low ecological diversity that characterizes the Arctic imparts vulnerability. In addition, parasitic invasions and altered transmission of endemic parasites are evident and anticipated to continue under current climate changes, manifesting as pathogen range expansion, host switching, and/or disease emergence or reduction... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4638232 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4638232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580153&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21377424%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Umbers AJ, Aitken EH, Rogerson SJ Placental malaria is hypothesized to lead to placental insufficiency, which causes fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this review, recent discoveries regarding the mechanisms of pathogenesis by which malaria causes FGR are discussed in the wider context of placental function and fetal growth. Placental malaria and associated host responses can induce changes in placental structure and function, affecting pregnancy-associated growth-regulating hormones and predisposing the offspring to hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Risk factors associated with FGR are highlighted, and potential interventions and studies to uncover remaining mechanisms of pathogenesis are proposed. Together, these strategies aim to decrease the burden of FGR associated ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580153 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4580153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580154&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21376669%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Díaz A, Casaravilla C, Allen JE, Sim RB, Ferreira AM The laminated layer (LL) is the massive carbohydrate-rich structure that protects Echinococcus larvae, which cause cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) and alveolar echinococcosis. Increased understanding of the biochemistry of the LL is allowing a more informed analysis of its immunology. The LL not only protects the parasite against host attack but also shapes the overall immune response against it. Because of its dense glycosylation, it probably contains few T-cell epitopes, being important instead in T-cell independent antibody responses. Crucially, it is decoded in non-inflammatory fashion by innate immunity, surely contributing to the strong immune-regulation observed in Echinococcus infections. Defining the active... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580154 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4580154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580155&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21354860%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rayner JC, Liu W, Peeters M, Sharp PM, Hahn BH Recent studies of captive and wild-living apes in Africa have uncovered evidence of numerous new Plasmodium species, one of which was identified as the immediate precursor of human Plasmodium falciparum. These findings raise the question whether wild apes could be a recurrent source of Plasmodium infections in humans. This question is not new, but was the subject of intense investigation by researchers in the first half of the last century. Re-examination of their work in the context of recent molecular findings provides a new framework to understand the diversity of Plasmodium species and to assess the risk of future cross-species transmissions to humans in the context of proposed malaria eradication programs. PMID: 21354860 ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580155 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4580155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4525664&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21345732%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pollitt LC, Macgregor P, Matthews K, Reece SE African trypanosomes produce different specialized stages for within-host replication and between-host transmission and therefore face a resource allocation trade-off between maintaining the current infection (survival) and investment into transmission (reproduction). Evolutionary theory predicts the resolution of this trade-off will significantly affect virulence and infectiousness. The application of life history theory to malaria parasites has provided novel insight into their strategies for survival and reproduction; how this framework can now be applied to trypanosomes is discussed. Specifically, predictions for how parasites trade-off investment in survival and transmission in response to variation in the within-host environm... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4525664 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4525664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470950&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21281927%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hastings IM PMID: 21281927 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470950 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4470950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470948&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21292555%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Neill DR, McKenzie AN T helper 2 (Th2) responses, characterized by the expression of the type-2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13, are essential for the control of parasitic helminth infections and also drive the pathogenesis of allergy and asthma. Such responses are initiated, maintained and regulated, in part, by an array of innate effector cells and cytokines. However, relatively little is known about how the initiation of type-2 immune responses occurs in vivo. The recent discovery, using helminth models, of several novel innate immune cells capable of shaping type-2 immune responses allows us to reflect on the progress made in this area. It also affords us the opportunity to highlight the diversity of immune responses that can be driven by innate cells re... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470948 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4470948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470949&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21288773%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ramírez G, Valck C, Ferreira VP, López N, Ferreira A Calreticulin (CRT) from vertebrates is a calcium-binding protein present mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). There, it directs the conformation of proteins and controls calcium levels. This review will focus on several extracellular roles of Trypanosoma cruzi CRT (TcCRT) in relation to its capacity to inhibit the complement system, mediate parasite infectivity, interfere with angiogenesis and, as a possible consequence, with tumor growth. The TcCRT antiangiogenic effect parallels with the capacity of T. cruzi infection to inhibit tumor development in vivo. Thus, the TcCRT, complement, and endothelial cell interactions seem to be an evolutionary adaptation to promote prolonged parasite-host relationships. PMID: 21... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470949 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4470949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470951&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21277257%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smith TA, Chitnis N, Briët OJ, Tanner M A quantitative framework is used to explore the potential applications and probable effects of sexual stage or mosquito stage transmission blocking vaccines (TBVs) against malaria. The combination of TBVs with biocides or other malaria vaccines will increase chances of interrupting transmission, whereas the value of TBVs for morbidity control will be limited. Vaccine combination will also protect against selection of insensitive parasites. Simulations indicate that TBVs will reduce risks of reestablishment of transmission when vector control is withdrawn. Simple mathematical analysis shows that efficacy and coverage are equally important, implying that a vaccine that requires a small number of doses (ideally one) is preferable to one th... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470951 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4470951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470953&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21273122%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cribb TH, Bray RA The proposal of new trematode families has almost stopped. Many new genera are still being proposed, but the number has fallen below historical rates. For most of the history of description of trematodes there have been more genera known from tetrapods than from fishes, but this pattern has reversed recently. These reductions are argued to be more of a reflection of the law of diminishing returns than diminution of effort. Thus, at the family level the classification of trematodes is becoming mature, and at the genus level we are seeing the 'beginning of the end' of the discovery of diversity. However, work for generations of scientists remains in other aspects of trematode biodiversity research, especially in life cycles, phylogeny and biogeography. PMID... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470953 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4470953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470952&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21273123%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Souza W, Rocha GM The fine structure of parasitic protozoa has been the subject of intense investigation with the use of electron microscopy. The recent development of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and all of the techniques associated with AFM has created new ways to further analyze the structure of cells. In this review, the various, presently-available modalities of AFM are discussed, as well as the results obtained in analysis of: (i) the structure of intact and detergent-extracted protozoa; (ii) the surface of infected cells; (iii) the structure of parasite macromolecules; (iv) the measurement of surface potential; and (v) force spectroscopy, the measurement of elasticity and ligand-receptor interactions. PMID: 21273123 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: T... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470952 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4470952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401711&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21257348%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Díaz A, Casaravilla C, Irigoín F, Lin G, Previato JO, Ferreira F Echinococcus larvae are protected by a massive carbohydrate-rich acellular structure, called the laminated layer. In spite of being widely considered the crucial element of these host-parasite interfaces, the laminated layer has been historically poorly understood. In fact, it is still often called 'chitinous', 'hyaline' or 'cuticular' layer, or said to be composed of polysaccharides. However, over the past few years the laminated layer was found to be comprised of mucins bearing defined galactose-rich carbohydrates, and accompanied, in the case of Echinococcus granulosus, by calcium inositol hexakisphosphate deposits. In this review, the architecture and biosynthesis of this unusual structure is discussed at d... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401711 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4401711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401712&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21256083%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smallegange RC, Verhulst NO, Takken W Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and Aedes aegypti have a preference for human blood, which determines their importance as vectors of pathogens responsible for human diseases. Volatile organic chemicals are the principal cues by which humans are being located. Human sweat contains components that are attractive to anthropophilic mosquito species, and variation in sweat composition causes differential attractiveness to mosquitoes within and between individuals and also between humans and other mammals. Characteristics of skin glands and skin microbiota define the odorous organic compounds emitted by sweat, thereby the degree of attractiveness of the host to mosquitoes. Carboxylic acids in particular appear to characterize humans. Thus sweat-... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401712 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4401712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401713&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21251879%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lymbery AJ, Smith A, Thompson A PMID: 21251879 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401713 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4401713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401714&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21237711%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dessens JT, Saeed S, Tremp AZ, Carter V Malaria parasites possess many unique subcellular structures and organelles that are essential for the successful completion of the complex life cycle of Plasmodium in the vertebrate host and mosquito vector. Among these are the crystalloids: transient structures whose presence is restricted to the mosquito-specific ookinete and young oocyst stages of the parasite. Nearly five decades after they were first described, the crystalloids are back in the spotlight, with recent discoveries pointing to an important role in protein trafficking and sporozoite transmission that could be exploited as new targets for control of malaria transmission. PMID: 21237711 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401714 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4401714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4401715&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21227752%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dantas-Torres F Sand flies are the only accepted biological vectors of Leishmania parasites. However, secondary modes of transmission have been extensively discussed and speculated about in recent years. In particular, the hypothesis of ticks as vectors of Leishmania infantum was studied in the 20th century and today is being revisited using modern molecular biology techniques. Recent studies have shed new light on the discussion, but have also led to misleading conclusions on the role of ticks as Leishmania vectors. In this article, the role of brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, as vectors of L. infantum is discussed, and the need for further research to better understand their participation in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis is advocated. PMID: 21227752 [PubMed... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4401715 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4401715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337742&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21216196%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ait-Oudhia K, Gazanion E, Oury B, Vergnes B, Sereno D PMID: 21216196 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337742 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4337742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337743&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21215699%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lambrechts L Similar to many other host-pathogen interactions, the vector competence of Aedes aegypti for dengue viruses appears to be determined by genotype-by-genotype interactions, whereby the outcome of infection depends on the specific combination of mosquito and virus genotypes. This can complicate efforts to dissect the genetic basis of vector competence in nature because it obscures mapping between genotype and phenotype and brings into question the notion of universal mosquito resistance or susceptibility. Conversely, it offers novel opportunities to better define compatible vector-pathogen associations based on integration of both vector and pathogen genomics, which should eventually improve understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics and the risk of vector-borne... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337743 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4337743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337744&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21212020%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jelicks LA, de Souza AP, Araújo-Jorge TC, Tanowitz HB Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease discovered over 100 years ago, is caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is most frequently associated with chronic cardiomyopathy and digestive disorders. Initial invasion of cells is followed by progressive inflammatory destruction of heart, muscles, nerves, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract tissue. Approximately 30% of patients progress to a chronic cardiomyopathy associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Seven to 10% of patients develop megasyndromes involving the GI tract, in particular, the esophagus and the colon. Results from several studies suggest that selenium (Se) deficiency could be an important factor in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337744 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4337744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337745&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21190898%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hamilton PB, Stevens JR PMID: 21190898 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337745 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4337745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276560&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21169061%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ding XC, Beck HP, Raso G Artemisinins are efficacious antimalarial drugs widely employed as first-line treatment in endemic countries under the form of combined therapies. Different molecular modes of action have been postulated to explain the parasiticidal effect of these compounds; however, none has been unequivocally accepted, and their physiological relevance is still questioned. Similarly, no definite genetic determinant of Plasmodium sensitivity to artemisinins has been identified so far. A better understanding of the mode of action of artemisinins and the genetic basis of laboratory-induced or field-observed altered susceptibility is crucial for malaria control. In this review different models of artemisinins' molecular action are briefly presented, focusing on recent a... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276560 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276562&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21168365%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stensvold CR, Lebbad M, Verweij JJ Detection of intestinal parasitic protists, commonly referred to as 'intestinal protozoa,' by PCR is increasingly used not only for identification or confirmation but also as a first-line diagnostic tool. Apart from the ability to sample correctly and extract parasite DNA directly from faeces, primer and probe specificity and sensitivity affect predictive values and hence the utility of diagnostic assays. Molecular characterization of intestinal protists is necessary to design primers and probes because this is the basic material for current and future improved diagnostic PCRs for either detecting all genetic variants or specifically differentiating among such variants. As an example, this paper highlights the existence of interspecific and i... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276562 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276561&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21168366%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sutherland IA, Leathwick DM Acceptable performance of grazing cattle frequently depends on the availability of effective broad-spectrum anthelmintics to remove, or prevent infection with, gastrointestinal nematodes. This control is increasingly threatened by populations of nematodes resistant to the most commonly used anthelmintics. Although this appears to have developed more slowly than in nematodes infecting small ruminants, the number of reports in the literature over the past five years suggests a rapidly escalating problem. This review discusses this literature, several issues unique to cattle parasitism and anthelmintics, and how previous research in small ruminants can improve the management of anthelmintic resistance in cattle. PMID: 21168366 [PubMed - as supplied... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276561 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276563&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21159557%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maizels RM, Hewitson JP, Gause WC PMID: 21159557 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276563 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276564&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21147036%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Van der Auwera G, Fraga J, Montalvo AM, Dujardin JC In this letter, we discuss the basis for a reviewed taxonomy of the Leishmania genus and the practical implications for typing in different clinical or research settings. PMID: 21147036 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276564 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276565&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21145790%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hung SS, Parkinson J The phylum Apicomplexa comprises over 5000 species of obligate intracellular parasites, many responsible for diseases that significantly impact human health and economics. To aid drug development programs, global sequencing initiatives are generating increasing numbers of apicomplexan genomes. The challenge is how best to exploit these resources to identify effective therapeutic targets. Because of its important role in growth and maintenance, much interest has centred on metabolism. However, in the absence of detailed biochemical data, reconstructing the metabolic potential from a fully sequenced genome remains problematic. In this review current resources and tools facilitating the metabolic reconstruction for apicomplexans are examined. Furthermore, how... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276565 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4276566&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21144800%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marcogliese DJ, Pietrock M The cumulative effects of multiple stressors are becoming a priority concern for ecotoxicologists, ecologists and conservation biologists working to understand threats to ecosystems and species. In that context, parasites and pathogens are increasingly a focus of attention. Parasites interact with natural and anthropogenic stressors to increase mortality and reduce animal health in myriad ways in a wide spectrum of host and parasite taxa. The combined effects of parasites and other stressors can reduce either resistance or tolerance to infection. Recommendations are provided to guide further research. PMID: 21144800 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4276566 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4276566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251235&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21130686%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Krishna S, Pulcini S, Fatih FA, Staines HM PMID: 21130686 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251235 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4251235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4218184&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21115398%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Woodrow CJ, Bustamante LY PMID: 21115398 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4218184 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4218184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4218183&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21115399%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Goncalves BP, Paul RE PMID: 21115399 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4218183 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4218183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4123515&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21030307%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jambou R, Le Bras J, Randrianarivelojosia M Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) paves the way for new opportunities to eliminate malaria in the tropics. However, the huge increase of ACT consumption raises major concerns about their availability over the next few years. At the same time a decrease in their efficacy has already been reported. Alongside the deployment of multifocal control programs, the process ranging from artemisia crop production to accreditation of new ACT combinations urgently needs to be strengthened to supply sufficient quantities of high-quality drugs. New suppliers will have the opportunity to enter this market to develop new formulations, and bioequivalence studies are required to validate these new formulations. It is thus crucial for national malar... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4123515 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4123515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4107925&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20971040%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hastings I Antimalarial drug therapies containing artemisinins, 'ACTs', have become the mainstay for treating uncomplicated malaria in endemic countries. This is a major public health achievement requiring substantial political, financial and scientific input. The most compelling scientific argument for ACT deployment employed a very simple basic rationale that emphasised their role in slowing the origin of drug resistance while largely neglecting the additional role(s) of ACTs in slowing or preventing the spread of resistance once it has arisen. Recent reports suggest that early stages of resistance to artemisinins and/or its partner drugs could be occurring, thus it is timely to briefly review exactly how ACTs slow the origin and spread of resistance and to interpret the thr... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4107925 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4107925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4062547&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20934911%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Samuelson J, Robbins P Cyst walls of Entamoeba and Giardia protect them from environmental insults, stomach acids, and intestinal proteases. Each cyst wall contains a sugar homopolymer: chitin in Entamoeba and a unique N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) homopolymer in Giardia. Entamoeba cyst wall proteins include Jacob lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) that crosslink chitin, chitinases that degrade chitin, and Jessie lectins that make walls impermeable. Giardia cyst wall proteins are also lectins that bind fibrils of the GalNAc homopolymer. Although many of the details remain to be determined for the cyst wall of Giardia, current data suggest a relatively simple fibril and lectin model for the Entamoeba cyst wall. PMID: 20934911 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Sourc... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4062547 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4062547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4062548&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20932801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Molestina RE PMID: 20932801 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4062548 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4062548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4043030&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20920890%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dissous C, Grevelding CG The fear that schistosomes will become resistant to praziquantel (PZQ) motivates the search for alternatives to treat schistosomiasis. Recent studies of signaling proteins in schistosomes uncovered a way of achieving this goal relatively quickly. It was shown that protein kinases (PKs) control important biological processes in schistosomes. Concurrently, the involvement of mutant forms of PKs was demonstrated in the etiology of cancer. Therefore, different anticancer drugs have been developed to inhibit deregulated PKs. These can also inhibit schistosome PKs, thus blocking parasite development. Recent studies characterizing schistosome PKs are summarized and we discuss the concept of PK inhibitors, including approved cancer drugs, as novel candidate an... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4043030 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4043030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003911&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20846906%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Baird JK, Surjadjaja C Millions of people receive primaquine against sexual plasmodia responsible for malaria transmission. These gametocytes cause no symptoms and do not threaten the host, but they infect mosquitoes and threaten the community. Primaquine causes hemolysis in the small minority of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd). Clinical studies in the 1950s demonstrated gametocytocidal primaquine to be safe without G6PDd screening. However, the evaluated G6PDd variant, African A-, represents mild sensitivity to primaquine. The view of primaquine as a safe gametocytocide thus rests largely upon observations from a G6PDd variant that is unlikely to challenge safety. The early clinical work does not seem to afford an adequate assessment of safe... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003911 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4003911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003974&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20843745%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ranson H, N'guessan R, Lines J, Moiroux N, Nkuni Z, Corbel V The use of pyrethroid insecticides in malaria vector control has increased dramatically in the past decade through the scale up of insecticide treated net distribution programmes and indoor residual spraying campaigns. Inevitably, the major malaria vectors have developed resistance to these insecticides and the resistance alleles are spreading at an exceptionally rapid rate throughout Africa. Although substantial progress has been made on understanding the causes of pyrethroid resistance, remarkably few studies have focused on the epidemiological impact of resistance on current malaria control activities. As we move into the malaria eradication era, it is vital that the implications of insecticide resistance are unde... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003974 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4003974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973597&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20833589%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Piedrafita D, Raadsma HW, Gonzalez J, Meeusen E With a rising world population and economic development, the global demand for meat, milk and other animal products is increasing dramatically. Controlling parasitic diseases in livestock, in particular helminth infections, could rapidly improve productivity and resource utilization. There is a growing interest in indigenous ruminant breeds because these animals have adapted to survive with minimal maintenance in the presence of high exposure to parasite infection. Recent findings on the mechanisms of parasite resistance in indigenous breeds are discussed, and the possibility that such studies may lead to new insight into the immunity and control of parasites proposed. These findings have important implications for the preservati... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973597 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973598&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20832363%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Siddiqui R, Pleass R, Mortazavi P, Khan NA Infections of the central nervous system due to neuroparasites have contributed significantly to morbidity and mortality. In part, this is because of our incomplete understanding of parasite traversal of the blood-brain barrier, a key step in the development of central nervous system infections, and the lack of available drugs that can cross the blood-brain barrier to gain entry into the brain to kill parasites. The novel in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of the blood-brain barrier can offer strategies to elucidate the physical barriers, cellular mechanisms and molecular elements participating from both sides of parasite-host interactions leading to neuropathogenesis. Improving our knowledge of these core processes might elevate t... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973598 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3973598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3900402&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20728060%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Naidoo I, Roper C Chloroquine resistant malaria (CQR) emerged in East Africa during the late 1970s and then spread westward. A molecular marker only became available in the late 1990s, and by that time CQR had permeated throughout Africa. By contrast, resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SPR) has emerged during an era of molecular surveillance, and the changing prevalence of SPR conferred by point mutations in the dhfr and dhps genes has been recorded in hundreds of sites across Africa. We have collated and mapped reports of the dhps K540E mutation, a uniquely informative marker of SPR, and used these to describe the geography of its dispersal through time. Like CQR, dhps K540E appeared first in East Africa and spread west. We discuss whether there are common principles g... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3900402 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:06:09 +0100 3900402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3900401&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20729145%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Behnke J, Harris PD A popular model system for exploring the host-parasite relationship of gastrointestinal nematodes is commonly known as Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. Recently, this parasite was raised to full species level as H. bakeri, to distinguish it from a close relative, H. polygyrus sensu stricto, the dominant intestinal nematode of wood mice in Western Europe, which is unable to infect laboratory mice (Mus sp.) without the aid of powerful immunosuppressants. Herein, the argument is presented that it is necessary to rename this parasite, and that H. bakeri is the correct name for the species used widely throughout the world as a laboratory research model. Supporting this claim, key evidence is presented demonstrating that H. bakeri and H. polygyrus are two quite ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3900401 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3900401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872921&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20708969%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ndao M, Rainczuk A, Rioux MC, Spithill TW, Ward J The genome revolution is providing fresh insights into host and parasite genomes, and new tools are becoming available for examining host-parasite interactions at the proteome level. Technologies such as surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) can be applied to discover biomarkers (alterations in both host and parasite proteomes) associated with parasitic diseases. Such biomarkers can represent host proteins, fragments of host proteins or parasite proteins that appear in body fluids or tissues following infection. Individual biomarkers or biomarker patterns not only have diagnostic utility (e.g. in active disease, prognosis, tests of cure) but can also provide unique insigh... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872921 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3872921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3777498&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20647151%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cook PE, McGraw EA Wolbachia pipientis are maternally inherited, endosymbiotic bacteria that are widespread among insects. Two recent studies have demonstrated that Wolbachia inhibits the ability of medically significant pathogens, including filarial nematodes, dengue virus and Plasmodium to form infections in the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. We highlight the added value of these traits for Wolbachia based biocontrol strategies and evaluate the evidence for the idea that the insect immune response is responsible for the pathogen inhibition. PMID: 20647151 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3777498 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:51:06 +0100 3777498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3777499&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20638904%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Krishna S, Pulcini S, Fatih F, Staines H With the advent of artemisinin resistance, it is timely to revisit the biological basis for the controversial suggestion that this class of antimalarial exerts its activity by inhibiting a calcium ATPase (PfATP6) that is most similar to sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases (SERCAs). Herein, evidence is discussed that relates to this hypothesis as alternative suggestions for how artemisinins might act have been reviewed elsewhere. PMID: 20638904 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3777499 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3777499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3765040&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20634138%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Friberg IM, Bradley JE, Jackson JA Innate immune receptors carry out surveillance for infection threats and are a proximal controller of the threshold and intensity at which inflammatory responses occur. As such, they are a natural focus for understanding how inflammatory immune reactivity is regulated. This review highlights how little data there are relating to the effect of macroparasites on systemic innate receptor responses. The idea is developed that studies on innate immune function in wild animals exposed to a natural profile of infections, including macroparasites, might be a valuable model in which to test hypotheses about the ultimate cause of aberrant inflammation in modern human populations. PMID: 20634138 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3765040 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3765040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3765039&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20634139%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hendrickx D, Dujardin JC, Pickering J, Alvar J PMID: 20634139 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3765039 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3765039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742698&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20609625%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kramer S, Carrington M In trypanosomatids, alterations in gene expression in response to intrinsic or extrinsic signals are achieved through post-transcriptional mechanisms. In the last 20 years, research has concentrated on defining the responsible cis-elements in the untranslated regions of several regulated mRNAs. More recently, the focus has shifted towards the identification of RNA-binding proteins that act as trans-acting factors. Trypanosomatids have a large number of predicted RNA-binding proteins of which the vast majority have no orthologues in other eukaryotes. Several RNA-binding proteins have been shown to bind and/or regulate the expression of a group of mRNAs that code for functionally related proteins, indicating the possible presence of co-regulated mRNA cohor... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742698 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3742698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742697&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20609626%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schönian G, Mauricio I, Cupolillo E Leishmania is notable for a large number of described species. Molecular phylogenies of Leishmania have increasingly suggested that the number of species could be too large. A recent phylogenetic analysis of the heat-shock protein 70 gene (hsp70) by Fraga and colleagues supports the existence of only eight medically relevant species compared to 17 species as defined by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Whether a revised classification system should be introduced for Leishmania is discussed. PMID: 20609626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742697 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3742697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742699&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20599426%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Owen JP, Nelson AC, Clayton DH Ecological immunology is a rapidly expanding field of research that attempts to explain variation in immune function across individuals, populations and species. Birds and ectoparasitic arthropods have frequently been used in attempts to measure the cost of immune function in relation to adult condition, nestling growth and other life history challenges. Unfortunately, most studies in ecological immunology have relied on assays of general immunocompetence that are not connected to actual parasites. A summary of potential interactions between the avian immune system and ectoparasites is provided and methods that can be used to test ecological questions in the context of naturally occurring host-parasite interactions are proposed. PMID: 2059942... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742699 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3742699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742700&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20598944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gohil S, Kats LM, Sturm A, Cooke BM Over the past decade or so, our understanding of the biology of apicomplexan parasites has increased dramatically, particularly in the case of malaria. Notable achievements are the availability of complete genome sequences, transcriptome and proteome profiles and the establishment of in vitro transfection techniques for asexual-stage malaria parasites. Interestingly, despite their major economic importance and striking similarities with malaria, Babesia parasites have been relatively ignored, but change is on the horizon. Here, we bring together recent work on Babesia bovis parasites which are beginning to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of babesiosis and highlight some opportunities and challenges that lie ah... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742700 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3742700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742701&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20594913%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schuijt TJ, Hovius JW, van der Poll T, van Dam AP, Fikrig E Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, the most prevalent arthropod-borne disease in the Western world, is caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group and is predominantly transmitted through Ixodes ticks. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent Lyme borreliosis in humans. Borrelia outer membrane proteins are reviewed which have been investigated as vaccine candidates. In addition, several tick proteins are discussed, on which anti-tick vaccines have been based, or are interesting future candidates, to prevent transmission of the spirochete from the tick vector to the mammalian host. Finally, novel vaccination strategies to prevent Lyme borreliosis are proposed, based on multipl... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742701 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3742701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721607&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20591738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Zandbergen G, Lüder CG, Heussler V, Duszenko M The detection of markers typical for metazoan programmed cell death (PCD) in diverse protozoan parasites raised a debate about the evolution of PCD processes and its impact on the biology of single-celled parasites. By applying the unified criteria recently developed for metazoan cell death, the conclusion is made that cell death in protozoan parasites also occurs in a programmed fashion. Several molecules or pathways which regulate PCD in higher eukaryotes have been implicated in the death of unicellular parasites. Furthermore, we emphasize that PCD enables the regulation of parasite densities in distinct host compartments and aids in avoiding inflammatory responses, thereby facilitating a sustained infection. We therefore... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721607 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3721607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721606&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20591739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Payne L, Fitchett JR The correlation between poverty and the neglected tropical disease (NTD) burden is undeniable. NTDs are a brand without copyright; an international movement gathering momentum towards a common goal of tackling major causes of preventable illness in low-income countries. New reports by Liese and Schubert and Moran et. al. act as a call to arms, highlighting a need for research into NTD treatment and control that is essential to improving the lives of the 'bottom billion.' PMID: 20591739 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721606 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3721606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3711032&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20580608%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gómez-Díaz E, Figuerola J Disentangling trophic interaction networks in vector-borne systems has important implications in epidemiological and evolutionary studies. Molecular methods based on bloodmeal typing in vectors have been increasingly used to identify hosts. Although most molecular approaches benefit from good specificity and sensitivity, their temporal resolution is limited by the often rapid digestion of blood, and mixed bloodmeals still remain a challenge for bloodmeal identification in multi-host vector systems. Stable isotope analyses represent a novel complementary tool that can overcome some of these problems. The utility of these methods using examples from different vector-borne systems are discussed and the extents to which they are complementary and ve... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3711032 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3711032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3711031&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20580609%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weaver HJ, Hawdon JM, Hoberg EP Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) collectively cause the highest global burden of parasitic disease after malaria and are most prevalent in the poorest communities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Climate change is predicted to alter the physical environment through cumulative impacts of warming and extreme fluctuations in temperature and precipitation, with cascading effects on human health and wellbeing, food security and socioeconomic infrastructure. Understanding how the spectrum of climate change effects will influence STHs is therefore of critical importance to the control of the global burden of human parasitic disease. Realistic progress in the global control of STH in a changing climate requires a multidisciplinary approach that i... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3711031 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3711031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3711030&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20580610%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smooker PM, Jayaraj R, Pike RN, Spithill TW Cysteine proteases are important virulence factors for parasites. This review will focus on the cathepsin B proteases of trematodes (also known as flukes) which are abundant in juvenile and immature flukes. Recent research, primarily in Fasciola, using inhibitors, RNA interference (RNAi) and vaccination studies indicates that cathepsin Bs play a key role in the biology of trematodes. As these proteases are largely expressed by infective parasite stages, their inactivation by chemotherapy or vaccination will greatly reduce the damage wrought by flukes as they invade host tissues. This validates cathepsin Bs as key strategic targets for fluke control. PMID: 20580610 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitolog... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3711030 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3711030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3711029&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20580611%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Henriquez FL, Woods S, Cong H, McLeod R, Roberts CW A series of studies over 20 years mapped resistance to toxoplasmic encephalitis in mice to major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and ultimately, more precisely the Ld region. This is consistent with contemporary functional studies that demonstrated a protective role for CD8(+) T cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Ld gene product presents a number of immunodominant Toxoplasma gondii-derived peptides in the murine models, providing a paradigm for vaccine design. The almost complete sequencing of the genomes of the predominant strains of T. gondii in conjunction with the development of predictive binding algorithms for MHC I peptides in humans now offers a new opportunity for vaccine development against ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3711029 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3711029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3711028&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20580612%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Färnert A, Gwer S, Berkley JA PMID: 20580612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3711028 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3711028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691853&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20561821%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Poulin R The vast number of species making up natural communities, and the myriad interactions among them, pose great difficulties for the study of community structure, dynamics and stability. Borrowed from other fields, network analysis is making great inroads in community ecology and is only now being applied to host-parasite interactions. It allows a complex system to be examined in its entirety, as opposed to one or a few components at a time. This review explores what network analysis is and how it can be used to investigate parasite ecology. It also summarizes the first findings to emerge from network analyses of host-parasite interactions and identifies promising future directions made possible by this approach. PMID: 20561821 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (So... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691853 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3691853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691852&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20561822%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lun ZR, Lai DH, Li FJ, LukeÅ¡ J, Ayala FJ Trypanosoma brucei equiperdum and Trypanosoma brucei evansi are typically considered separate species, although a recent study suggested that these organisms can be classified as subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei, which we also favor. Here we present a scenario that attempts to explain the continuing evolution of the dyskinetoplastic and akinetoplastic strains, as a consequence of loss of selective pressure(s) leading to the loss of kinetoplast DNA. PMID: 20561822 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691852 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3691852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3661705&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20541972%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Devaney E, Winter AD, Britton C Drug resistance in parasitic nematodes is an increasing problem worldwide, with resistance reported to all three commonly used classes of anthelmintics. Most studies to date have sought to correlate the resistant phenotype with genotypic changes in putative target molecules. Although this approach has identified mutations in several relevant genes, resistance might result from a complex interaction of different factors. Here we propose an alternative mechanism underlying the development of drug resistance based on functional differences in microRNA activity in resistant parasites. microRNAs play an important role in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in many tumour cells and here we discuss whether they might also be involved in anthelmintic ... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3661705 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3661705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3661704&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20541973%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koenderink JB, Kavishe RA, Rijpma SR, Russel FG Expanding drug resistance could become a major problem in malaria treatment, as only a limited number of effective antimalarials are available. Drug resistance has been associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms and an increased copy number of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) protein family member. Many ABC transport proteins are membrane transporters that actively translocate a wide range of structurally and functionally diverse amphipathic compounds. The Plasmodium falciparum ABC family consists of 16 members and current knowledge of their physiological function and contribution to antimalarial drug resistance is limited. Here, we give an overview of the Plasmodium ABC family members wit... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3661704 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3661704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655938&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20538522%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dujardin JC, González-Pacanowska D, Croft SL, Olesen OF, Späth GF The protozoan diseases leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease are responsible for substantial global morbidity, mortality and economic adversity in tropical and subtropical regions. In most countries, existing strategies for control and treatment are either failing or under serious threat. Environmental changes, drug resistance and immunosuppression contribute to the emergence and spread of these diseases. In the absence of safe and efficient vaccines, chemotherapy, together with vector control, remains the most important measures to control trypanosomatid diseases. Here, we review current limitations of anti-trypanosomatid chemotherapy and describe new efforts to safeguard existin... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655938 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655939&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20537954%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fitchett JR, Cooke MK Genetic engineering provides an ingenious method of attenuating Plasmodium falciparum parasites for next generation vaccines. A novel approach stimulates new optimism in the struggle to eliminate the burden of malaria. PMID: 20537954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655939 Mon, 24 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3655939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590699&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20488751%26dopt%3DAbstract This article summarizes experimental data gathered from recent dog trials aimed at identifying immunological mechanisms implicated in protection against canine infection to discuss their potential to serve as quantitative surrogate markers of immunization and, more importantly, its usefulness to evaluate whether the immunity induced by the vaccine candidate is strong enough to protect against canine leishmaniasis. PMID: 20488751 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590699 Mon, 17 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3590699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590698&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20488752%26dopt%3DAbstract This article aims to emphasize the need for specific caprine studies. It is hypothesized that, owing to divergent evolutionary processes, sheep and goats have developed two different strategies to regulate GIN infections, respectively, based on immune response versus feeding behavior. Generation of additional comparative data should result in a better understanding of the possible trade-offs between these two basic regulatory processes. Goat studies should also help to avoid past errors in the control of GIN species owing to the lack of relevant information. PMID: 20488752 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590698 Mon, 17 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3590698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590700&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20483663%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Debierre-Grockiego F Induction of sterilizing immunity by vaccination is extremely difficult because of the evasion mechanisms developed by parasites, and identification of new targets for therapy is therefore important. Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) of parasites are glycolipids that participate in pathogenicity of parasitic diseases. Studies of Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma brucei indicate that GPIs are good candidates for developing vaccines against malaria and sleeping sickness, respectively. By contrast, fatty acids isolated from P. falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by the GPIs in macrophages. GPIs are considered to be toxins that, if present in large amounts, induce irreversible damages to the host... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590700 Sun, 16 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3590700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3582187&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20478743%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Beech RN, Wolstenholme AJ, Neveu C, Dent JA The central theme of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is that names are meaningless, artificial constructs, detached from any underlying reality. By contrast, we argue that a well chosen gene name can concisely convey a wealth of relevant biological information. A consistent nomenclature adds transparency that can have a real impact on our understanding of gene function. Currently, genes in parasitic nematodes are often named ad hoc, leading to confusion that can be resolved by adherence to a nomenclature standard adapted from Caenorhabditis elegans. We demonstrate this with ligand-gated ion-channels and propose that the flood of genome data and differences between parasites and the free living C. elegans will require modification of t... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3582187 Fri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3582187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3570356&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20466591%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Weedall GD, Conway DJ Parasite antigen genes might evolve under frequency-dependent immune selection. The distinctive patterns of polymorphism that result can be detected using population genetic methods that test for signatures of balancing selection, allowing genes encoding important targets of immunity to be identified. Analyses can be complicated by population structures, histories and features of a parasite's genome. However, new sequencing technologies facilitate scans of polymorphism throughout parasite genomes to identify the most exceptional gene specific signatures. We focus on malaria parasites to illustrate challenges and opportunities for detecting targets of frequency-dependent immune selection to discover new potential vaccine candidates. PMID: 20466591 [Pub... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3570356 Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3570356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556770&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20452286%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wallach M Research has been carried out worldwide to try to elucidate the mechanism of protective immunity against coccidiosis. It was concluded from early studies that cellular immunity is the key to protection against Eimeria, whereas humoral immunity plays a very minor role in resistance against infection. By contrast, other studies have pointed towards the ability of antibody to block parasite invasion, development and transmission and to provide passive and maternal immunity against challenge infection. Herein, recent results demonstrate the ability of antibodies (raised by live immunization or against purified stage-specific Eimeria antigens) to inhibit parasite development in vitro and in vivo and readdress the question of the role of antibody in protection against cocc... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556770 Wed, 05 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545981&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20444649%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Thomas MC, Macias F, Alonso C, López MC Transposable elements (TEs) are dynamic elements that can reshape host genomes by generating rearrangements with the potential to create or disrupt genes, to shuffle existing genes, and to modulate their patterns of expression. In the genomes of parasites that infect mammals several TEs have been identified that probably have been maintained throughout evolution due to their contribution to gene function and regulation of gene expression. This review addresses how TEs are organized, how they colonize the genomes of mammalian parasites, the functional role these elements play in parasite biology, and the interactions between these elements and the parasite genome. PMID: 20444649 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends i... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545981 Sun, 02 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522856&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20430697%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bennett BL, Sinnis P In a recent review on CD8(+) T-cell responses after malaria infection and immunization, Zavala and colleagues outline two decades of research and formulate the central unresolved questions in the field. Here we discuss some of these findings and highlight their importance to malaria vaccinology. PMID: 20430697 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522856 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3522856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475306&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20392668%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Staines HM, Derbyshire ET, Slavic K, Tattersall A, Vial H, Krishna S Mammalian transport proteins are essential components of cellular function that have been very successfully exploited as drug targets. Over the past few years, a small but increasing number of Plasmodium transport proteins have been validated as being crucial for parasite survival. This is an essential early step towards identifying new targets for urgently needed antimalarial drugs. Presented here is an overview of our current understanding of the transport processes used by Plasmodium parasites, with an emphasis on their therapeutic potential. It demonstrates the largely untapped potential of targeting these important pathways (including P-type ATPases, ABC transporters and K(+) channels) and highlights whe... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475306 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3475306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475305&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20392669%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cézilly F, Thomas F, Médoc V, Perrot-Minnot MJ The effect of host manipulation by parasites on trophic transmission to final hosts remains unclear. The transmission benefits gained by manipulative parasites are difficult to assess, and evidence for a causal link between manipulation and trophic transmission is missing. In addition, infected intermediate hosts can also be more vulnerable to predation by nonhosts, whereas recent theoretical advances indicate that the evolution of host manipulation does not require increased specificity in trophic transmission. We propose that a deeper consideration of the evolution of complex life cycles in helminth parasites might provide a different perspective on the evolution of host manipulation by parasites. PMID: 20392669 [P... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475305 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3475305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468211&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20382562%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Handel TM, Horuk R Plasmodium vivax accounts for 65% of all cases of malaria in Asia and South America. Although not usually deadly, this form of malaria continues to inflict misery on the millions of sufferers who have been infected. The paucity of treatments for malaria, coupled with the emerging resistance of the parasite to anti-malarial drugs such as chloroquine, demonstrates an urgent need to develop new and alternative approaches to combat this disease. In this perspective, we propose that the development of small molecule inhibitors of the Duffy antigen, the portal of infection of P. vivax, would be a novel and potentially effective approach for treating this form of malaria. PMID: 20382562 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468211 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3468211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468210&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20382563%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Coppens I, Sullivan DJ, Prigge ST Recent years have seen rapid advances in our understanding of malaria parasite cell biology. Some of this progress has been the result of developments in genetic techniques, advances in imaging technology, and new molecular tools. We focus on three aspects of parasite cell biology: (i) plastid metabolism, (ii) sporozoite biology, and (iii) protein transport to and from the host erythrocyte. In each case recent work has led to a deeper understanding of parasite biology, often at the expense of previously accepted paradigms. These studies also highlight the impediments, technical and otherwise, that will have to be overcome for continued rapid progress in these fields. PMID: 20382563 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Par... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468210 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3468210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468214&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20382076%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Adams ER, Hamilton PB, Gibson WC Recent advances in molecular identification techniques and phylogenetic analysis have revealed the presence of previously unidentified tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes in Africa. This is surprising in a comparatively well-known group of pathogens that includes the causative agents of human and animal trypanosomiasis. Despite levels of genetic divergence that warrant taxonomic recognition, only one of these new trypanosomes has been named as a new species; the increased diversity is largely ignored or regarded as an inconvenient complication. Yet, some of these trypanosomes have demonstrated pathogenicity, whereas others are closely related to known pathogens, and might share this trait. We should first acknowledge that these novel trypanosomes e... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468214 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3468214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468213&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20382077%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stevenson MM, Gros P, Olivier M, Fortin A, Serghides L PMID: 20382077 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468213 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3468213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468212&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20382078%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hunt NH, Grau GE, Engwerda C, Barnum SR, van der Heyde H, Hansen DS, Schofield L, Golenser J PMID: 20382078 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468212 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3468212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3450058&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20363672%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rénia L, Grüner AC, Snounou G PMID: 20363672 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3450058 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3450058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420942&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20347614%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Proellocks NI, Coppel RL, Waller KL Apicomplexan parasites possess specialized secretory organelles (rhoptries and micronemes) that release their contents during host cell invasion. Although the rhoptries were once thought to be merely a bulbous 'protein reservoir' connected to an anterior neck region, the localization of a protein specifically to the neck suggested that this region was more than just a duct. Recent studies have shown that the rhoptry neck sub-compartment possesses a distinct protein repertoire. Some of these proteins share common features, including conservation across the phylum and involvement in tight-junction formation. A sub-group of rhoptry neck proteins, the RONs, their association with the microneme protein apical membrane antigen AMA1, and their invo... Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420942 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3420942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3412725&cid=s_36146_141_f&fid=36146&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20338809%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Riley EM, Couper KN, Helmby H, Hafalla JC, Souza JB, Langhorne J, Jarra WB, Zavala F PMID: 20338809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology) Trends in Parasitology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3412725 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3412725