DNA Barcodes: Creative New Uses Span Health, Fraud, Smuggling, History, More Nov 12, 2009
The mosquitos of India, some species of which spread malaria, filariasis, Dengue and Chikungunya fevers, Japanese encephalitis and other diseases affecting millions in India. Black flies of Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, some of which spread river blindness disease. (Science Daily)
Conference of Medical Superintendents Group opens Oct 15, 2009
Mr Aidoo said critical areas that needed special attention were the re-emergence of certain tropical diseases such as yaws, filariasis, which abound in the Ahanta West District and guinea worm. He also listed the high disease burden of malaria, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes, soaring maternal and infant mortality and morbidity as well as health care financing improvement options and high technology development as other areas of focus. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
S. Ga. airport named for Jimmy Carter after debate Oct 12, 2009
What remains uncertain is how to fund the roughly $250 million effort, which also aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, on the two-nation island of Hispaniola. Former President Jimmy Carter, who helped spur the deal, said he is confident a "constant commitment" from the two countries will wipe out the two diseases. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Doxycycline for Mansonella perstans Infection Oct 8, 2009
Background Mansonella perstans infection is common in areas of Africa where Wuchereria bancrofti, a causative agent of lymphatic filariasis, is endemic. M. perstans is refractory to standard antifilarial therapies. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Carter seeks to boost Caribbean malaria fight Oct 8, 2009
Another $50 million would be needed to wipe out lymphatic filariasis, another painful illness carried by mosquitoes that can swell limbs to grotesque proportions. That price tag may seem daunting, particularly in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Mansonella perstans — The Importance of an Endosymbiont Oct 8, 2009
Filarial infections in humans include the various forms of lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori), onchocerciasis (Onchocerca volvulus), loiasis (Loa loa), and mansonellosis (Mansonella streptocerca, M. perstans, and M. ozzardi). About 120 million people currently have lymphatic filariasis, and about 1 billion people are considered to be at risk for infection ... Lymphatic filariasis remains endemic in 81 countries and is prevalent on all continents except... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Parasite Bacteria May Help Fight Spread Of Mosquito-borne Diseases Oct 3, 2009
2, 2009) Infecting mosquitoes with a bacterial parasite could help prevent the spread of lymphatic filariasis, one of the major neglected tropical diseases of the developing world, according to research published Oc 2 in the journal Science ... Lymphatic filariasis affects more than 120 million people worldwide over 40 million of these are seriously incapacitated and disfigured by the disease ... Dr Sinkins and colleagues are currently looking at whether infecting other species of mosquito, such... (Science Daily)
Natural Odors Offer New Mosquito Repellents Aug 27, 2009
The research has strong implications for control of deadly diseases transmitted by Culex mosquitoes such as West Nile virus disease and filariasis, an infectious tropical disease affecting the lymphatic system ... Lymphatic filariasis has affected more than 120 million people in the world. (Science Daily)
Discovery Brings Hope To Treatment Of Lymphatic Diseases Aug 15, 2009
The potential benefit of modulating soluble VEGFR-2 in other diseases such lymphedema due to filariasis and or following surgery for breast cancer, as well as in tumor metastasis, are also under study. This paper by Dr. Ambati and his coworkers represents another in a line of highly novel and important findings from their laboratory," said Patricia A. D Amore, Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Senior Scientist at the Schepens Eye Research Institute. "The report... (Science Daily)
The Lymphatic System Aug 9, 2009
There are a number of serious conditions associated with this system; ranging from worm infiltration as in Lymphatic Filariasis to a genetic condition found in Milroy Disease. Some other serious diseases are. (Suite101.com)
Causes and Treatment of Lymphedema Jul 18, 2009
Secondary Lymphedema: Secondary lymphedema appears as a complication of another condition disrupting the lymph nodes or channels, such as radiation and lymph node dissection as part of breast cancer treatment (the most common cause of secondary lymphedema in developed countries) and the worm infection filariasis (the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide). Diagnosis. (Suite101.com)
Govt committed to improve health situation - Kunbuor May 15, 2009
The aim is to contribute to proper enhancement of cleaning of drains in vicinities, controlling mosquito borne diseases such as Filariasis, yellow fever, some haemorrhagic fevers and most important of all malaria. Dr. Kunbuor noted that the WHO recommendation on Integrated Vector Control in the fight against malaria would be applied when necessary and feasible and commended Zoomlion and said; "I think this is laudable and will fit into the scheme of things by my ministry to control malaria."... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
DNA Barcoding Of Mosquito Species Deployed In Bid To End Elephantiasis May 5, 2009
The University of Ghana, supported by the Philadelphia-based JRS Biodiversity Foundation, is pioneering the use of DNA "barcodes" to map menacing mosquito species in West Africa that spread lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis ... 5, 2007) Once-yearly administration of two antiparasitic drugs to control lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) costs just 0. (Science Daily)
'Barcode' shows mosquito threats Apr 30, 2009
Lymphatic filariasis can cause severe disfigurement ... Only certain mosquitoes spread lymphatic filariasis, otherwise known as elephantiasis, which affects people in more than 80 nations ... "The scientific breakthrough of DNA barcoding...is shedding new light on lymphatic filariasis - a horrific and entirely preventable health scourge in developing nations," said lead researcher Professor Daniel Boakye from the University of Ghana. (BBC News -- Health)
Microsurgery May Cut Swelling after Breast Cancer Treatment Apr 1, 2009
And, with refinement, it might prove applicable to lymphedema from the filariasis parasite, which affects 200 million people worldwide, he said. "We have the potential to impact a large number of people," Chang said. (MEDLINEplus)
Super Micro-surgery Offers New Hope For Breast Cancer Patients With Lymphedema Mar 30, 2009
In developing countries, a form of lymphedema caused by a parasite called Filariasis affects as many as 200 million people worldwide. "As we begin to refine our technique and learn more about the efficacy of this surgery, we have the potential to impact a large number of people," Chang said. (Science Daily)
How Mosquitoes Could Teach Us A Trick In The Fight Against Malaria Mar 14, 2009
13, 2009) The means by which most deadly malaria parasites are detected and killed by the mosquitoes that carry them is revealed for the first time in research published March 5 in Science Express. The discovery could help researchers find a way to block transmission of the disease from mosquitoes to humans. (Science Daily)
