Tag

Tropical Disease

All articles tagged with #tropical disease

health2 months ago•10 min saved

Decades of pelvic pain finally explained by a tropical parasite

After more than 100 doctors over decades, Andy L.’s constant pelvic and perineal pain was finally explained by a rectal biopsy showing a granuloma and antibodies confirming urogenital schistosomiasis from a Tanzania trip decades earlier. Misdiagnoses—from Peyronie’s disease to psychosomatic explanations—gave way to the diagnosis, and praziquantel treatment lowered antibodies and eased symptoms, though eggs left in tissue can cause ongoing problems. He’s now raising awareness of this neglected tropical disease that mostly affects Africa.

via The Washington Post|

#chronic-pain #health #misdiagnosis

health-science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Novel Vaccine Approach Targets Widespread Parasite Infection"

Scientists in Brazil have used a radical vaccine strategy involving phage display to identify potential vaccine targets for schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions worldwide. By analyzing proteins of the Schistosoma parasite, the researchers have identified key proteins driving the immune response to the infection, opening up promising prospects for vaccine development. While early results in mice are encouraging, the track record of schistosomiasis vaccines is challenging, with most candidates failing to elicit a strong immune response or protect against the disease. Nonetheless, this study provides a wealth of new candidates for further exploration in the quest for an effective vaccine.

via ScienceAlert|

#health-science #parasite #phage-display

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Emerging Tropical Disease in Mainland U.S. Raises Concerns over Vaccine Availability

Leishmaniasis, a tropical disease primarily spread by sand flies, has been found in the mainland United States, shocking physicians who were taught that it only existed in tropical climates. The disease, which currently has no effective vaccine, has been reported in Texas, but the actual spread is difficult to track due to limited reporting. As the planet warms, diseases like leishmaniasis are spreading to new areas, posing a concern for public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is raising awareness among clinicians about the presence of leishmaniasis in the U.S. and the need for preventive measures.

via Yahoo News|

#climate-change #disease-spread #health

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Rapid Spread of Tropical Disease in US via Sand Flies"

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease previously unseen in the United States, is spreading through the country via sand flies. The disease causes skin lesions and ulcers, which can lead to disfiguration. Cases have been identified in states like Texas and Arizona, and climate change is believed to be a contributing factor. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the disease, so prevention through avoiding sandfly bites is crucial. Despite being endemic, the number of cases in the US remains relatively low.

via Insider|

#cutaneous-leishmaniasis #health #sand-flies

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Tropical Disease Carried by Sand Flies Spreads to the U.S."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a strain of the Leishmania parasite, which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis, has likely been living in the United States for years. Previously thought to be a tropical disease, leishmaniasis is spread by sand flies and primarily affects tropical regions. However, recent research suggests that the parasite is endemic in the US, with cases reported in several states, including Texas. The CDC's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and tracking of leishmaniasis infections, especially as climate change may expand the range of sand flies and increase the risk of the disease in more areas.

via MPR News|

#cdc #health #leishmaniasis

health2 years ago•2 min saved

The Rising Threat of Leishmaniasis in the US

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease transmitted by sand flies, is becoming a growing concern in the southern United States. Cases have been detected in individuals with no travel history, indicating local transmission. Symptoms include skin sores that can change in size and appearance over time. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical manifestations and treatment depends on various factors. Risk factors include poverty, poor living conditions, malnutrition, population mobility, and environmental changes. Currently, there are no vaccines or drugs to prevent leishmaniasis, but preventive measures such as avoiding sandfly bites and using insect repellent are recommended, especially when traveling to endemic areas.

via IndiaTimes|

#cutaneous-leishmaniasis #health #prevention

health2 years ago•6 min saved

"Rapid Spread of Disfiguring Tropical Disease Alarms CDC Scientists in the US"

The CDC has discovered evidence of a unique strain of cutaneous leishmaniasis in U.S. residents with no travel history, indicating local transmission of the disease by domestic sandflies. This raises concerns that the more severe visceral leishmaniasis could establish in U.S. sandflies through imported dogs carrying the pathogen. Genetic analysis revealed a distinct genetic fingerprint of the disease in non-travelers, suggesting a locally derived strain. Cutaneous leishmaniasis can cause disfiguring scars and is mainly found in low-income countries. The CDC hopes that by identifying the emergence of locally acquired cases, it will be easier to detect the disease in new areas. Additionally, there is growing concern that imported dogs could introduce the life-threatening visceral leishmaniasis to domestic sandfly populations.

via SciTechDaily|

#cdc #cutaneous-leishmaniasis #health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Tropical Parasite Spreads and Takes Hold in the US, Particularly in Texas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that a tropical disease called leishmaniasis, once seen mainly in Americans returning from travel abroad, now has a unique U.S. strain. The disease, spread by sandflies, could thrive in the U.S. due to improved climatic conditions. Researchers also highlight the risk of a deadlier form of the disease, visceral leishmaniasis, which can be transmitted by imported dogs carrying the parasite. Climate change and inadequate screening contribute to the spread of the disease, which can cause disfiguring skin ulcers. The U.S. lacks federal reporting on the disease, making it difficult to track its prevalence.

via USA TODAY|

#climate-change #dogs #health