Latest news with #Toxoplasmosis
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
NIAB scientists perform CRISPR-based genetic manipulation to identify protein to halt zoonotic infection ‘Toxoplasmosis'
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic infection that can be transmitted through contaminated food, especially undercooked meat. The parasitic infection caused by 'Toxoplasma gondii' can lead to abortion and neonatal mortality in both humans and animals, causing substantial economic losses in the livestock industry due to reproductive failure. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have ranked it as the fourth among food-borne infections of major concern. The infection is endemic in India, with a reported seroprevalence of above 20% in humans and animals. Overall, the Indian climate is said to be conducive to spreading the infection. In this context, the latest research study by the laboratory of Abhijit S. Deshmukh in the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) assumes significance. Mr. Deshmukh and his team — Poonam Kashyap and Kalyani R. Aswale — performed CRISPR-based genetic manipulation on the parasite 'Toxoplasma gondii' and demonstrated that depleting the essential splicing protein — called 'Cdc5' — disrupts the RNA splicing process, leading to complete arrest of parasite replication. Toxoplasma's genome is rich in introns or non-coding DNA sequences, making efficient splicing crucial. The splicing factor protein 'Cdc5' is essential for the parasite's survival. Depletion of TgCdc5 leads to erroneous splicing, causing catastrophic effects on the parasites. Experiments conducted on the mouse in the NIAB lab here in Hyderabad had shown that these splicing-deficient parasites lacking the key protein undergo an unproductive stage transition. The researchers found that it has been leading to a slower-growing stage that elicits a robust immune response in the mouse host and protects them from future toxoplasma infections. 'When the protein 'TgCdc5' is depleted upon the parasite infection in mice, these mice generate a protective immunity not only for future infections but also in providing partial protection during pregnancy. These findings suggest that targeting 'TgCdc5' protein could be a viable vaccine strategy for toxoplasmosis,' said Mr. Deshmukh. The disease is presently treated by a combination of Pyrimethamine, Sulfadiazine, and Clindamycin drugs. The infection causes more severe pathology in small ruminants like sheep and goats through ingestion of contaminated food and water, explained the scientist who has been studying the parasite for the last 10 years. Published in the latest issue of the journal Nature Communications, the research work provides valuable information to strategize vaccine development for Toxoplasmosis, said NIAB Director G. Taru Sharma. The Biotechnology Research and Innovative Council (BRIC)-NIAB is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
See - Sada Elbalad
11-04-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Toxoplasmosis.. A Parasitic Disease
Dr. Magdy Badran Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled protozoan that infects warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is one of the most widespread parasitic infections globally, with an estimated 30–50% of the world's population having been exposed to the parasite. Toxoplasma gondii can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe lifelong complications in the child. Transmission Toxoplasmosis is a unique health disease that significantly affects the health of humans, domestic animals, wildlife and is present in ecosystems, including water, soil and food. Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii occurs through several pathways. The most common is the ingestion of undercooked or raw meat that contains tissue cysts, especially pork, lamb, or venison. The parasite can also be acquired by consuming food or water contaminated with oocysts shed in the feces of infected cats—the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii. Another significant route of transmission is congenital: when a woman acquires the infection during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Rarely, the parasite may be transmitted through organ transplantation or blood transfusion. Animal Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasma gondii is found in all habitats and regions, from the Arctic to the tropics in terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments, affecting a wide range of hosts. Theoretically all warm-blooded animals can be infected and at least 350 host species have been described to date. Most cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not exhibit symptoms, but some may experience mild gastrointestinal distress or fever. Infected cats shed oocysts in their feces. Cats can become infected by eating raw meat from intermediate hosts like rodents or birds that have cysts in their tissues. Infected livestock (e.g., sheep and goats) may experience mild symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and general malaise. However, Toxoplasma gondii is often subclinical in adult animals. The greatest concern arises when pregnant animals become infected. Pregnant sheep and goats may experience spontaneous abortion or birth defects if they are infected during pregnancy. Infected newborns may exhibit neurological symptoms, such as tremors, paralysis, or developmental defects. Rodents, especially rats and mice, are often intermediate hosts. Infection can alter their behavior, making them less fearful of predators like cats. This behavior makes them more likely to be preyed upon, thereby facilitating the parasite's life cycle. Transmission to the Fetus Primary infection during pregnancy poses the greatest risk to the fetus. If the mother was infected before pregnancy, she usually has protective antibodies and is not at risk of transmitting the parasite. Transmission to the fetus depends on gestational age. Transmission in the first trimester is low (~10–15%) but more severe fetal damage. Transmission in the third trimester is high (up to 60–80%) but damage is often milder or delayed. Incubation Period When humans become infected by consuming oocysts (eggs) from contaminated food, water, or soil, or by handling cat litter, the incubation period is typically 5 to 23 days after exposure. However, it can range from as short as 1 week to several months. If the infection is acquired through the consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat containing tissue cysts, the incubation period can also be 5 to 23 days. In the case of a pregnant woman transmitting the infection to her unborn child (congenital toxoplasmosis), the incubation period is variable and depends on the stage of pregnancy at the time of infection. The parasite may cross the placenta at different stages, with varying impacts on the fetus. In immunocompromised individuals (e.g., people with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatment), the incubation period may be shorter, and the disease may progress more rapidly. Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis The parasite can invade different organs (like the brain, eyes, or muscles), and the site of infection may also affect how soon symptoms manifest. In most healthy adults, toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic or causes only mild flu-like symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (particularly around the neck or underarms). Occasionally, a rash may appear on the skin. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea may also occur but are less common. These symptoms typically last for a few weeks and are often mistaken for other common viral infections, making the condition difficult to diagnose without specific tests. In most cases, the immune system controls the infection, and individuals recover without medical treatment. In individuals with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can cause more severe symptoms due to the inability of the immune system to keep the parasite under control. Encephalitis is one of the most common and serious complications in immunocompromised individuals. It can cause headaches, seizures, confusion or altered mental state, motor weakness or paralysis, and loss of coordination. Toxoplasmosis can cause eye inflammation, leading to blurry vision, eye pain, redness in the eye, sensitivity to light, loss of vision. In rare cases, toxoplasmosis can lead to pneumonia, causing symptoms like cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Congenital Toxoplasmosis If a pregnant woman becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii, it can be passed to the fetus, causing congenital toxoplasmosis. The symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis can vary depending on the stage of pregnancy at the time of infection. If the infection occurs during early pregnancy, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe developmental abnormalities in the fetus (e.g., brain damage, hydrocephalus). If the infection happens later in pregnancy, the baby may be born with milder symptoms or may appear asymptomatic at birth. However, the child may develop symptoms later in life, such as vision problems (e.g., retinitis), mental disabilities, seizures, and hearing loss. In newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis, symptoms may not appear immediately after birth. Some possible symptoms that can develop over time include jaundice, enlarged liver or spleen, mental and developmental delays, severe eye infections leading to vision loss, and seizures. Complications Complications of toxoplasmosis can be life-threatening. In immunocompromised patients, reactivation of latent infection can result in fatal encephalitis. In the eyes, inflammation of the retina can impair vision or lead to blindness. Congenital toxoplasmosis may result in long-term neurological deficits, developmental delays, or death. Because symptoms can be delayed, especially in infants, long-term monitoring and follow-up are essential. Prevention Preventing toxoplasmosis relies on food safety, personal hygiene, and environmental precautions. Cooking meat thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables, and avoiding raw or unpasteurized dairy products can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning cat litter or use gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Litter boxes should be cleaned daily before oocysts become infective. People should also wear gloves while gardening or handling soil and avoid drinking potentially contaminated water. Public education, especially for at-risk populations such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, remains essential in controlling the disease's impact. Early detection and proper treatment can significantly reduce fetal damage. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? 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Forbes
31-03-2025
- Forbes
How Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Is Protecting Native Hawaiian Species
Located more than 3,800 kilometers west of North America, the Hawaiian Islands are renowned worldwide for their high concentration of endemic flora and fauna, with native species spanning from the ʻanianiau to the ʻiʻiwi to the Hawaiian hoary bat—but this treasure trove of biodiversity isn't free from existential threats. Over the centuries, introduced species have wreaked havoc across the region, competing for resources and preying on vulnerable species that have evolved to live without natural predators. However, in the wake of these issues, there's a wealth of organizations and businesses that are working hard to ensure that Hawaiʻi's native wildlife can flourish well into the future. On the western shore of Hawaiʻi Island, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort acts as a crucial haven for a wide array of native species, with more than 30 hectares of carefully-preserved habitat found throughout the property. While vibrant flower gardens and towering palms can be found in abundance during a visit, the resort is best known for its high concentration of anchialine pools, a type of brackish water feature that forms in lava fields close to the ocean. This natural phenomenon forms the perfect conditions for the native ʻōpaeʻula shrimp to thrive, with the property's groundskeeping staff ensuring that the pools are kept free from any debris or hazards that might interfere with their natural habitat. Beyond these tiny crustaceans, Kona Village also plays a role in supporting a much larger native species: the Hawaiian monk seal, to be precise. While this endemic pinniped once thrived across the surrounding islands, threats today range from feral cat-induced Toxoplasmosis exposure to entanglement in discarded fishing nets, prompting the formation of conservation organizations like the nearby Ke Kai Ola, a coastal care facility that's dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned Hawaiian monk seals. In an effort to support the organization, Kona Village encourages guests to fish for invasive tilapia in their on-property ponds and offer them as a donation to the facility, ultimately clearing out pest organisms while supporting an indigenous species all in one fell swoop. Alongside monk seals, the property also offers shelter for a wealth of native avifauna, with the official state bird of Hawaiʻi making frequent appearances for guests. Known as the nēnē, this eye-catching goose is believed to be a close relative of the Canada goose, evolving roughly half a million years ago from an isolated population that somehow made its way to the islands. During an early morning birdwatching session, visitors can spot the waterfowl as well as other species like the Pacific golden plover, ruddy turnstone and ʻapapane—and to sweeten the deal, the property also has a steadfast commitment to sourcing local produce and protein, ensuring that each meal you enjoy across property is packed full of fresh ingredients from nearby farms. While Hawaiʻi has long been renowned for its spectacular landscapes, each individual island comes equipped with its own unique array of flora and fauna, providing an added appeal for birdwatchers, scuba divers and all other naturalists that visit the region. Though the biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands hangs in a delicate balance, there's no shortage of protected havens in place to allow wildlife to flourish, with Kona Village being a prime example. From shrimp to seals to nēnē geese, this luxurious resort provides guests with the perfect opportunity to marvel at the endemic creatures that have called Hawaiʻi home for eons.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
One of Trump's Scariest Attacks on Health Could Do Unimaginable Damage. I Know—I've Seen It.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. I remember the old days. As a university student in South Africa in 2005, I volunteered doing menial tasks at free clinics that served the largely impoverished nonwhite majority. Back then, South Africa's HIV drug program was only beginning to roll out. The relief it would bring hadn't yet come. In exam rooms, elementary schoolers panted from fungal pneumonia, terrified by their breathlessness. Toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite, formed pingpong ball–sized masses in people's brains. Fluffy white clouds and red hemorrhages, the work of cytomegalovirus, bloomed across patients' retinas until they went blind. These diseases had once been extraordinary rarities. When HIV hit, they were everywhere. I remember how I blew up gloves into balloons to distract the kids, so small and polite, their hair neatly braided. I remember how they died. The Trump administration froze all foreign aid on Jan. 20. This included funds for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a bipartisan initiative launched by President George W. Bush. The program is estimated to have saved at least 25 million lives since its 2003 inception. In more than 50 countries, PEPFAR has distributed HIV drugs, improved public health capabilities, and strengthened the health workforce and infrastructure. It has done this at an annual cost of less than 0.1 percent of our national budget. The positive effects of the program span diplomacy, global economic growth, and pandemic preparedness, as well as, of course, HIV treatment. PEPFAR is arguably our single most effective, durable, and wide-reaching foreign policy success. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since announced a waiver to allow HIV-drug distribution to continue. Other aspects of the enterprise, like educational outreach and health worker development, remain murky, and the future of PEPFAR has been plunged into jeopardy. After medical school and residency, I moved back to South Africa in 2016, now as a full-fledged doctor. The rural public hospital where I worked lay at the epicenter of the country's epidemic. More than 40 percent of pregnant women my colleagues and I saw were HIV positive, and I cared for many patients who died of AIDS. But despite the jaw-dropping prevalence rates, the suffering didn't compare to what I had witnessed 10 years prior. Thanks to the antiretroviral drugs we prescribed, I watched people so skeletal that I could single-handedly heft them onto a hospital bed transform into people who could heft me onto that same bed. Untreated, about a quarter of mothers pass the virus on to their infants—but by 2016, I rarely saw infected babies. South African co-workers with HIV led fulfilling careers. From 2003 through 2014, the life expectancy in the district where I was now living had risen by 15 years for women and 17 years for men. Without medication, nearly all people with HIV can readily transmit the virus to sexual partners and progress inexorably toward death. On effective antiretrovirals, they can't pass on the virus, even through unprotected sex, and can expect normal lifespans. That is what HIV drugs can do. PEPFAR provides about 20 percent of South Africa's national funds to combat HIV. In some other countries, it accounts for the bulk of the budget: 75 percent in Zambia, for instance, or 67 percent in Mozambique, according to 2020 stats. Donations from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria—to which the U.S. is the largest contributor—comprise a substantial portion of the remaining shortfall. As an HIV specialist, I find that the idea of suspending PEPFAR conjures visions of a cruel future—one that requires little effort to imagine, since I've spent so much of my career witnessing the ravages of the virus left untreated. But continuing PEPFAR is a matter of self-interest too. The program is widely popular the world over; many patients know that their drugs come from the Americans. As the U.S. jockeys with China for global influence, our long-standing position as the largest force for global health has won us allies and helped us forge relationships to engage around sensitive diplomatic issues. If China has Belt and Road, we have PEPFAR. The COVID pandemic solidified awareness of our vulnerability to emerging infectious diseases, which respect no national boundaries. Public health workers have harnessed systems originally developed for HIV to address COVID and mpox. They've shared information indispensable to us, an exchange acutely threatened not only by the new precarity of PEPFAR but also by Trump's withdrawal from the World Health Organization. HIV data has now vanished from the public commons; PEPFAR's database is down. If—when—there is another pandemic, we will need all the goodwill and channels for cooperation we can get. With PEPFAR, we built that up. Now we are squandering it. We are also directly endangering ourselves. During West Africa's Ebola outbreak in 2014, a patient flew from Liberia to Lagos, Nigeria. Scores were exposed to the virus, presaging potential catastrophe in Africa's most populous nation. Disaster never hit. With help from PEPFAR, the Nigerian government had set up an impressive virology lab and trained a robust epidemiologic corps. The spread was contained after only 19 cases. In contrast, in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea—countries without comparable PEPFAR investment—the outbreak lasted two and a half years, killed more than 11,000 people, and crossed the Atlantic to the U.S. PEPFAR strengthens our security and economy. In a study of approximately 160 countries, the program's presence was associated with a total per capita GDP growth rate 46 percent greater than expected over a 14-year period. The figure is impressive but unsurprising: The health benefits of HIV drugs are so remarkable that increasing by only 1 percentage point a country's population on treatment has been linked to a bump of 1.4 percentage points in per capita GDP growth rate. Our trade relationships are expanding in Africa south of the Sahara; the region has a plurality of the world's fastest-growing economies. The explosion of its working-age population has the potential to be an engine of economic growth—or a source of young men susceptible, in their desperation for income, to recruitment by extremist groups in some nations. We'd do well to support the first scenario. America has long projected a self-image as a force for global good. You should believe in PEPFAR as consonant with our values, a measure to prevent countless, often horrific deaths. You should want a future in which doctors like me don't try to resuscitate two babies before 7 a.m., and then, when neither makes it, gulp down their coffee to face the rest of the day. You should think of HIV treatment as a human right. But supporting PEPFAR doesn't require any of that. To back PEPFAR, all you need to care about is yourself and your loved ones. We are connected to the rest of the world. If PEPFAR ends, people overseas won't be the only ones who suffer.
