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)
ANTHONY S. FAUCI: Global health trajectories Dec 10, 2006
Parasitic diseases such as hookworm, schistosomiasis, leishmanias, trypanosomiasis, filariasis, and Chagas disease -- unknown to many people in rich countries but epidemic in poor ones -- collectively result in hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and widespread suffering in developing nations. Enlightened self-interest: Western societies have long felt an altruistic and humanitarian obligation to help people throughout the world live longer and healthier lives. (Washington Times)
Science vs. 'security' Nov 14, 2006
He is working on pathbreaking research that could lead to new ways of treating parasitic diseases without the severe side effects of drug regimens -- and eventual eradication of these diseases. Typically, Sajid, a citizen of the United Kingdom, works as co-director of the biochemistry facility within the Sandler Center for Research in Parasitic Diseases at UC San Francisco. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
World Health Organization and Partners Unveil New Coordinated Approach to Treat Millions Suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 27, 2006
" Dr Mark L. Eberhard, Director, Division of Parasitic Diseases , Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, USA "A critical first step in controlling infectious diseases is the development of a cohesive and comprehensive set of guidelines - turning ideas into reality in a practical way ... brandling- ; website: -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Dr Mark L. Eberhard, Director, Division of Parasitic Diseases F22, National Center for Zoonotic, Vectorborne, and Enteric Diseases,... (PR Newswire)
Malaria: Efficacy of monotherapies in Cameroon Oct 14, 2006
Malaria, which affects about 600 millions people in the world, is the most widespread of the transmissible parasitic diseases. The causative agent is a microscopic parasite of the genus Plasmodium. (EurekAlert!)
USF physician gets part of Gates Foundation grant Sep 16, 2006
The grant, part of a $68 million Gates Foundation package to develop cures for deadly but neglected parasitic diseases, goes to at Chapel Hill in partnership with a consortium of other universities and research institutions. USF is subcontacted for $650,000 of the grant, according to a spokeswoman for USF.. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Knowing causes of death is crucial for planning Sep 14, 2006
Based on the age pattern of death rates by sex, it is likely that a high proportion of deaths registered as due to parasitic diseases and maternal conditions are caused by HIV.. This non-reporting of HIV deaths probably conceals how many actual deaths result from HIV. A challenge for researchers is to find a way to determine how many deaths are actually caused by HIV. Until that has been accomplished, it is not possible to know how many HIV deaths there are by age, sex and year of death. (Business Report, South Africa)
AIDS kill more youth in South Africa Sep 8, 2006
Stats SA said it was likely that a "high proportion" of deaths registered as due to parasitic diseases or infections, certain immune system disorders and, for women, maternal conditions, were actually caused by HIV.. Source: Xinhua. (People's Daily Online, China)
World failing to meet water, sanitation goals: U.N. Sep 6, 2006
Poor sanitation increases risks of cholera, typhoid and dysentery, and unsafe drinking water raises vulnerability to diarrheal and parasitic diseases, particularly among children. Some 4,500 children died every day in 2005 from the consequences of unsafe water and inadequate hygiene, according to WHO figures. (Scientific American)
How The Body's T Cells React To Parasitic Diseases Aug 30, 2006
Now, because of a study just published and led by scientists at the University of Georgia, researchers are closer than ever to understanding how T cells respond to parasitic diseases that kill millions each year ... Rather, it is a new understanding of how T cells react to infection in all parasitic diseases, including malaria, which may cause as many as 500 million infections and three million deaths annually in humans. (Science Daily)
With glasses, kids good to go in classes Aug 23, 2006
Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the award, which honored Poste for his role in the control of global infectious and parasitic diseases and for his leadership in the development of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. Poste said winning the award was akin to "being an athlete elected to the all-star game by your peers.". (AZCentral -- Business)
Americans are living longer, but not better Aug 20, 2006
Worldwide death statistics show that in underdeveloped and developing countries, deaths tend to occur at a younger age, either from birth-related problems or infectious or parasitic diseases. In developed countries, deaths tend to occur from chronic degenerative diseases associated with aging. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
Gates Foundation Takes Focused Approach to Giving/ Jul 23, 2006
Some are obscure -- Guinea worm, trypanosomiasis and cysticercosis, all parasitic diseases. But the more than 5 billion in grants devoted to global health so far reveal a striking faith in the transformative power of new technologies -- a fact perhaps not surprising for a foundation created by Bill Gates, who revolutionized the computing world with a company started in a dorm room. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
China to monitor geohelminthes infections Jul 21, 2006
According to a survey completed by the ministry in 2004 on the status of major human parasitic diseases, China has a 19. 56 percent rate of geohelminthes infection, which equals the infection rate of Japan in the 1960s and ROK in the 1980s. (Xinhuanet, China)
Brian O. L. Duke, 79; Worked to Combat River Blindness Jul 3, 2006
After leaving the WHO in 1985, he was invited to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., as the first "distinguished scientist" in the Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. In 1991, he retired to England and was an enthusiastic gardener of camellias, clematis and English roses. (Los Angeles Times)
Researchers Get To Heart Of Tropical Disease Jun 27, 2006
(February 22, 2005) -- Leishmaniases and trypanosomiases are parasitic diseases which kill several thousands of people per year, mainly in developing countries. The effectiveness of existing treatments is being called into. (Science Daily)
The results are in: Bacterial parasite strives for balance in host infection May 30, 2006
Estimating likely changes in parasite virulence is essential for formulating public health strategies to contain emerging parasitic diseases and for developing effective drugs and vaccines. In future studies, the researchers plan to investigate how selection pressures, such as those caused by drugs, influence parasite fitness and cause changes in virulence. (EurekAlert!)
Chinese doctors have made a breakthrough in cutting the diagnosis time of schistosomiasis from up to three days to just 10 minutes May 26, 2006
The dipstick dye immunoassay kit, developed by Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases in east China, has been certified by the State Food and Drug Administration and is to be approved for mass production. The new diagnosis involved mixing a blood sample with a reagent on a test paper, giving a positive result if a certain color belt appeared, said Zhu Yinchang, head of the project. (Xinhuanet, China -- Technology)
Sysmex to Launch Multichannel Automated Hematology Analyzer for Veterinary Use May 19, 2006
The product is effective in early diagnosis of allergies, parasitic diseases and infections in animals. The compact device with an A3 footprint thoroughly supports practice at veterinary clinics. (JCN Network, Japan)
Mortality rate won't budge May 15, 2006
In other words, while the contribution of deaths relating to maternal health, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy care and infectious and parasitic diseases halved during the 20-year period of the study, the gains were offset by significant increases in heart disease, diabetes, cancer and digestive diseases. The researchers blamed a mix of problems, including educational disadvantage and adverse health behaviours in adulthood, which were aggravated by poor access to primary health care services. (NEWS.com.au)
Carter Center awarded $1M May 15, 2006
Tackled other parasitic diseases, including filariasis and schistosomiasis. "They've taken seriously diseases that had basically been ignored for all practical purposes and, in many places, actually eliminated them. It's such a wonderful example for the rest of us," says Gates foundation co-chair William Gates Sr.. (USA Today -- News)
Potential vaccine developed for deadly leishmaniasis disease Apr 22, 2006
Seeberger cited both infectious and parasitic diseases and vaccines against cancer. WHO assigned a high priority to development of a leishmaniasis vaccine because of the huge human toll and the lack of any effective treatment. (EurekAlert!)
China maps out 10-year plan to fight parasitic diseases Mar 31, 2006
BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Health issued a 10-year plan to fight parasitic diseases on Thursday, vowing to reduce the infection rate by 40 percent in 2010 and 60 percent in 2015. The plan aims to reduce the spread of major parasitic diseases including geohelminthes, echinococcosis, chonorchis, tapeworm disease and cysticercosis and prevent new infections of kala-azar disease ... According to a survey completed by the ministry in 2004 on the status of major human parasitic... (Xinhuanet, China)
China to be Officially Designated Free of Lymphatic Filariasis Mar 29, 2006
For more information, please contact: Dr Kevin Palmer, Regional Adviser in Malaria, Vectorborne and Other Parasitic Diseases Tel: +63-2-528-9725 Email. SOURCE World Health Organization Photo Notes: NewsCom: APArchive: PRN Photo Desk,+1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840 Web Site. (PR Newswire)
New Data in Lancet Confirm Potential to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis Mar 24, 2006
LF is one of the world's most disfiguring and disabling parasitic diseases, and the target of one of the largest global public health programs using mass drug administration (MDA). Commenting on the data Professor David Molyneux of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine says "In this landmark publication, new data from the national program in Egypt show that we can, using the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended strategy of an annual drug distribution, end the cycle of transmission of... (PR Newswire)
Countries can learn from Singapore in fighting obesity: WHO Mar 19, 2006
With urbanisation and globalisation, WHO says major causes of death and disability have shifted from infectious and parasitic diseases to chronic ones, which account for 67 percent of all deaths in the world annually. ADVERTISEMENT. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Mobile Lab Expands Capacity Of Animal Disease Diagnostics Feb 24, 2006
For example, the labs test for causes of livestock abortion or for parasitic diseases in pets, or they culture samples for pathogenic bacteria. Moving the capabilities of the College Station laboratory to the location of a disease outbreak would cost thousands of dollars and a tremendous amount of manpower, Gayle said. (Science Daily)
A New Way Of Looking At Molecular Motors Feb 10, 2006
The studies lay the groundwork for development of treatments for conditions ranging from certain kinds of blindness and kidney disease to neurodegenerative disorders and parasitic diseases such as malaria. All complex organisms use myosin and its relatives, kinesin and dynein, to move substances around inside cells and to help cells move from one place to the other. (Science Daily)
