All articles tagged with #sleeping sickness
A century ago, thousands reportedly fell into long, dreamlike sleeps during a mysterious outbreak later identified as encephalitis lethargica. Despite decades of research, scientists still don’t know what caused it, how to treat it, or why it disappeared, leaving one of medicine’s enduring historical mysteries.
University of York researchers identify ESB2, a molecular shredder in Trypanosoma brucei, that sits at the end of the parasite’s protein-production line and selectively degrades RNA to keep the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) cloak working at full speed while minimizing energy waste. Removing ESB2 upsets this balance, suggesting the shredder as a potential drug target to make the parasite more visible to the immune system. Sleeping sickness is transmitted by tsetse flies and remains a regional health challenge, but this discovery opens new avenues for therapies; further work will map ESB2’s RNA targets and interactions.
Kenya has been declared free of sleeping sickness, a deadly tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma parasites transmitted by tsetse flies, marking a significant public health achievement and joining other African nations in eliminating this neglected disease.
A team of scientists, health workers, and performers in Malawi used street theater to educate communities about sleeping sickness, a disease transmitted by tsetse flies. The theatrical performance involved visual demonstrations and interactive elements, such as audience members wearing red t-shirts to simulate the human bloodstream and batting around beach balls representing the infectious parasite. The goal was to raise awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and prevention methods. The performance was well-received, and the organizers hope it will lead to increased use of tsetse nets and more people seeking diagnosis and treatment.
Sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma parasites, is a neglected tropical disease that can lead to death if left untreated. A new oral drug, tested in clinical trials, is 95% effective at curing the disease and only needs to be taken once. The World Health Organization aims to eradicate sleeping sickness by 2030, and this new drug could be a saving grace for hundreds of people in Africa who continue to get diagnosed with this harrowing illness each year.