Congo-Brazzaville: Vitamin A Drive Targets Children Apr 5, 2008
Vitamin A deficiency leads to an increase in infectious and parasitic diseases, stunted mental and physical development, declining vision [night blindness] and ultimately blindness, as well as increasing the likelihood of developing anaemia due a reduction in red blood cells. Among the children who received the vitamin supplements in the ongoing campaign were 2,000 children from indigenous communities ('Pygmies'), Ngoussa said. (allAfrica.com)
New Approach May Render Staph Harmless Feb 16, 2008
Oldfield, who is the senior author of the paper, had spent decades exploring this pathway, which has implications for the treatment of some cancers, as well as fungal and parasitic diseases. He noted that an enzyme in the human pathway, squalene synthase, was strikingly similar to one that led to the production of the carotenoid in Staph. (Science Daily)
Hepatitis C Top Illness to Sicken County Jan 23, 2008
How do you get most of your news. I don't follow the news that much. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Drug cocktail could help parasite victims: study Jan 23, 2008
LONDON (Reuters) - Using a cocktail of drugs may help doctors more effectively treat three of the world's most common parasitic diseases, researchers working in Zanzibar reported on Wednesday. The drugs treat elephantiasis -- also known as lymphatic filariasis -- soil-transmitted worms and schistosomiasis. (Scientific American)
Means Of Controlling A Parasite That Kills And Eats Human Cells Identified Jan 21, 2008
25, 2002) The development of drugs to combat some of the world's most serious parasitic diseases is a step nearer with the discovery of a widely-shared gene that helps parasites to invade host cells. The. (Science Daily)
New Strategies Work To Put Cancer On The Firing Line Jan 5, 2008
It also could work for persistent viral infections such as HIV and human papillomavirus, parasitic diseases such as malaria and bacterial infections such as tuberculosis. It is antigens proteins on or in all cells that get the attention of the immune system. (Science Daily)
Buffett buys into services company Dec 26, 2007
Urban poor hurt by parasitic diseases Roundworms might infect close to a quarter of urban black children, tapeworms are the leading cause of seizures among US Hispanics, and other parasitic diseases associated with poor countries are also affecting Americans, a US specialist said yesterday. Studies show many of the poorest Americans carry the same parasitic infections that affect the poor in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, said Dr. Peter Hotez, a tropical disease specialist at George Washington... (Boston Globe)
Poor Americans in the United States suffer hidden burden of parasitic and other neglected diseases Dec 26, 2007
In an article entitled Poverty and Neglected Diseases in the Other America, Professor Peter Hotez (George Washington University and the Sabin Vaccine Institute) says that there is evidence that the parasitic diseases toxocariasis, cysticercosis and toxoplasmosis as well as other neglected infections are very common in the United States, especially among poor and underrepresented minority populations living in inner cities and poor rural areas. Such infections are known as neglected tropical... (EurekAlert!)
Neglected tropical diseases burden those overseas, but travelers also at risk Dec 26, 2007
SPOKESPERSONS: Thomas Nutman, M.D., Deputy Chief, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, can comment on the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network and research on filarial infections. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, NIAID, can comment on NIAIDs overall research programs in the area of neglected tropical diseases. (EurekAlert!)
It's a fact of lice: They can infest anyone Dec 2, 2007
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Parasitic Diseases advises treating a child infested with lice with an over-the-counter or prescription medication. Follow these steps. (North County Times)
M'angalore to host Microbiology Conference for First Time Nov 16, 2007
Eminent Parasitologist Dr SC Parija from JIPMER, Pondicherry spoke on newer parasitic diseases- tip of the iceberg. Another CME on newer concepts and perspectives in Clinical Microbiology was conducted. (Daijiworld.com)
Latin American scourge turning up in U.S. immigrants Nov 7, 2007
" Like Lyme disease or malaria, Chagas is a vector-borne illness, meaning that it is transmitted by insects, not person-to-person contact. For Chagas, the insect is a winged, blood-sucking creature commonly called a conenose, or kissing bug, because it feeds at night, often on uncovered faces. An estimated 8 million to 11 million people in Central and South America and Mexico are infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chagas is most common in poor, rural... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Chagas disease, a growing health threat in America Nov 7, 2007
"We've been suspecting that the number was going to be large, but finding that it is large is still surprising," said Dr. James H. Maquire former chief of the parasitic diseases branch at the CDC and now director of international health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Screening the blood supply was the absolutely right thing to do.". (Xinhuanet, China)
CDC Reports Prevalence of Worms Transmitted by Dogs and Cats to Humans is Higher Than Previously Understood Nov 6, 2007
"The results of this study demonstrate that Toxocara infection in the United States is more widespread and common than previously understood," said Peter Schantz, VMD, PhD, an epidemiologist in the Division of Parasitic Diseases at the CDC and a founding board member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). "Although most persons infected with Toxocara have no apparent symptoms, this infectious agent is capable of causing blindness and other serious systemic illness, which makes it a... (PR Newswire)
UNH students treated for scabies Oct 25, 2007
It s been around forever Aristotle was familiar with the malady and about 300 million people worldwide claw and scratch at the tunneling arthropods at any given time, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention division of parasitic diseases. Julie Winkel, spokeswoman for UNH said, about half a dozen students, some off campus, found themselves colonized by mites on Monday. (New Haven Register, CT)
Blood Donations in U.S. Testing Positive for Chagas' Disease Oct 21, 2007
Maguire is the former chief of the parasitic diseases branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Red Cross was among the first blood collection agencies in the U.S. to begin testing donations for Chagas' in late January, following FDA approval of Ortho's blood-screening test in December 2006. (PR Newswire)
Five Ways to Keep Dogs, Cats Healthy Oct 5, 2007
Some dogs may need a kennel cough vaccine and there are also some parasitic diseases that can be passed from dogs to humans for which there are preventative medications. Dogs can contract parasites when coming into contact with the feces of other dogs while playing outside, said Hohenhaus. (Fox News)
Upstream Biosciences CEO to Unveil Promising New Approach to Treating Sleeping Sickness at International Trypanosomiasis Conference Oct 2, 2007
"Our drug program against sleeping sickness is at an early stage, but it has already produced candidates that preclinically demonstrate high efficacy at low doses and low toxicity in human cells at a range of doses. This is particularly exciting since no new anti- trypanosomiasis compounds with low toxicity have been developed in the past 60 years. We look forward to collaborating with a variety of organizations to rapidly advance this program in both animals and humans." Upstream recently... (Canada Newswire)
The Canada Goose and Parasites Aug 11, 2007
Studies show that they help spread human parasitic diseases to new places. The Canada Goose, Branta canadensis, numbers in the millions and is now resident in many parts of Europe as well as North America. (Suite101.com)
23 - WHO alarmed about the spread of dengue Jul 26, 2007
Dr. John Ehrenberg, WHO Regional Adviser in Malaria, Other Vectorborne and Parasitic Diseases, said tracking dengue statistics and information is difficult, as many cases and outbreaks may not be officially reported. Official information would allow neighboring countries and areas to anticipate and plan for increased dengue surveillance and to take precautionary measures. (Bayanihan.org)
Physician and Pathologist Jim McKerrow wages battle against the lowly blood fluke Jul 9, 2007
It's the manmade lake, not the view, that gives McKerrow, 69, professional inspiration as director of the Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases. THE LIGHTBULB: You go in the water and these things swim up to you and they go right through your skin without you knowing it. (San Francisco Chronicle)
City life expectancy rises to 80.97 in Shanghai Jun 28, 2007
The top 10 causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, tumors, respiratory diseases, injury and poisoning, endocrine and nutritional-metabolic disorders, digestive system diseases, infectious diseases and parasitic diseases, mental diseases, genito-urinary disease, and diseases of the nervous system. In addition, local health officials detected 9,929 cases of irregular and illegal medical practice, confiscating goods and issuing 12. (Xinhuanet, China)
Oyster industry: A shell of what it once was Jun 24, 2007
But over the past couple of years, the oystering industry - which had been virtually wiped out in Virginia by two parasitic diseases, Dermo and MSX, over the past four decades - began experiencing an unexpected resurgence. "The soft-shell crabs have kept us going, but the oysters have been a real shot in the arm," said Robbie Johnson. (Suffolk News Herald, VA)
Manufacturer blames contact lens users May 31, 2007
All of them may harbor the infecting amoeba, said Michael Beach, team leader in the CDC's division of parasitic diseases. An estimated 85 percent of U.S. cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis occur in contact lens users, but it's extremely rare. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Health Highlights: May 27, 2007 May 28, 2007
The infection in question is Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by an amoeba, the A.P. quotes Michael Beach, team leader in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's division of parasitic diseases, as saying. If left untreated, the infection could cause permanent vision loss or complete blindness. (Forbes)
Contact Lens Solution Voluntarily Recalled May 28, 2007
"The ongoing CDC investigation is a collaborative effort," said Michael Beach, M.D., a Division of Parasitic Diseases team leader with CDC. "We are working with FDA, state, territory, university, and clinical partners in an effort to further understand whether usage or contamination of this solution led to these Acanthamoeba infections.". All contact lens users should closely adhere to the following measures to help prevent eye infections. (Science Daily)
Eye Infections Are Linked May 26, 2007
That was enough of a link to a product with limited market share to spark a public announcement, said Sharon Roy, medical epidemiologist with the CDC's division of parasitic diseases. "We felt we couldn't wait," she said in an interview late Friday. (Wall Street Journal)
Partnerships Help to Fight Malaria May 9, 2007
International corporations like the Coca-Cola Company could be especially useful in helping distribute bed nets as a preventative measure against the mosquitos that spread malaria, said Jerry Chambers, an international management affairs consultant and pharmaceutical engineer with longtime experience battling parasitic diseases in Africa. "They have businesses all over the world," Chambers explained. (allAfrica.com)
Medical Entomologist Gregory Lanzaro Wins Research Award Davis, May. 04 May 5, 2007
Both are life-threatening parasitic diseases. The annual award recognizes the outstanding research efforts of an Academic Federation member, said Alfonso Tramontano, chair of the Academic Federation Committee on Research. (University of California Newswire, CA)
Effort to boost oyster, clam numbers meets with success Apr 26, 2007
"We wintered over the oysters in the Neck River and the clams at Circle Beach and the oysters are doing very well." Nikituk and the Madison Shellfish Commission have been actively restoring oyster populations since two parasitic diseases, Dermo and MSX, wiped out much of the oyster colonies in East Coast waters between 1998 and 1999. In 2005, the commission purchased equipment for cultivating oysters and shellfish from the Foxwoods Casino aquaculture program, and in June of 2006 they received a... (Shoreline Times, CT)
At last, a scientist returns Apr 16, 2007
For nearly five years, the 40-year-old Sajid, or "Saj" as friends and colleagues call him, has been co-director of the biochemistry unit at the Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases at UCSF.. Last July, he left San Francisco for what should have been a short trip to attend a wedding in London. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Latin American parasite surfacing in US Mar 18, 2007
"I don't want people to overreact, but I don't people to ignore it," said Victor Tsang, chief of the immunochemistry lab at the CDC's Division of Parasitic Diseases. "The more we pay attention to it, the better off we are.". (Houston Chronicle)
ABL end of year summary information Feb 12, 2007
The patent covers a wide range of pathogens, including: Anthrax and the bacteria that cause Bubonic plague; and Viruses such as Hepatitis B and HIV; and, Parasitic diseases such as Malaria. The patent also includes more common infectious agents an ailments ranging from MRSA to TB, from UTIs to skin infections, ear and eye infections, upper respiratory tract infections, STD's, and others. (Canada Newswire)
Carter proposes health, education alliance against diseasesAddis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - For African nations to be able toeradicate most of the diseases endemic within the continent,alliances must be created between the health and educationministries, former US President Jimmy Carter suggested here Monday. 12/02/2007 Full Text... Feb 12, 2007
Participants of the conference include education ministers from some of the African countries where The Carter Center assists governments in fighting parasitic diseases including guinea worm and malaria. "We have only addressed diseases not commonly known, but the primary victims of these diseases are children. Trachoma and Onchocerciasis cause unnecessary suffering to children," Carter noted, urging the African ministers at the conference to explore ways by which they could replicate the... (Panapress.com)
Myths about cars and warming Feb 1, 2007
Each year, malaria kills 1million to 3 million people, and one-third of the world's population is infected with water- or soil-borne parasitic diseases. It may well be that dealing with global warming by building resilience against its possible effects is more productive - and more realistic - than trying to solve the problem by driving our automobiles less. (Newsday -- Opinion)
Strong gut feeling led to happy career Jan 26, 2007
The farm's sheep were stricken by parasitic diseases and the youngster was fascinated by the rapidly developing vaccines to treat them. Sixty years later, having completed a stellar career as a research scientist, head of a major British medical charity and chairwoman on a number of science and medical bodies, Dr Ogilvie is being awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia, the highest Australia Day honour. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Patient delusion -- or medical confusion? Jan 21, 2007
Dr. Keystone, who practises with the tropical medicine unit at Toronto General Hospital, has studied parasitic diseases for more than 30 years and has treated many patients with DOP, and a small number of whom claim to have Morgellons. "From time to time, I do see what they're looking at, I do see the occasional 'fibre,' " he says. (Globe and Mail)
Mushrooms Have A Future In Fighting A Fowl Parasite Jan 17, 2007
The researchers--led by immunologist Hyun Lillehoj at the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. --developed a technique for controlling coccidiosis, which costs the world's poultry industry billions of dollars in losses annually. (Science Daily)
New Program Aims to Treat World's Most Devastating Diseases UCSF, Jan. 04 Jan 5, 2007
"The Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (MIPN) is a newly established institute that aims to stimulate and sustain the global competitiveness of the Malaysian biopharmaceutical and nutritional supplement industries."I really believe that increased training of graduate students and postdocs from developing countries will eventually bring the greatest rewards towards global health," said P'ng Loke, a postdoctoral scientist in pathology at UCSF and director of the new... (University of California Newswire, CA)
