How much remains undetected? Probability of molecular detection of human <em>Plasmodia</em> in the field (Publications)
BACKGROUND: In malaria endemic areas, most people are simultaneously infected with different parasite clones. Detection of individual clones is hampered when their densities fluctuate around the detection [...] trials. This study aimed at measuring the detectability of individual P. falciparum and P. vivax parasite clones in consecutive samples of the same patient and at investigating the impact of sampling strategies
Assessing the presence of <em>Wuchereria bancrofti</em> in vector and human populations from urban communities in Conakry, Guinea (Publications)
3 %) and 51 An. gambiae (31.7 %) dissected, none was infected with any stage of the W. bancrofti parasite. However, the LAMP assay revealed that 1.8 % of An. gambiae and 0.31 % of Culex spp. were positive [...] prevalence of ICT is below 1 %, the entomological results are suggestive of the circulation of the parasite in the population of Conakry. Therefore, rigorous surveillance is still warranted so that LF tr
Encouraging impact following 2.5 years of reinforced malaria control interventions in a hyperendemic region of the Republic of Guinea (Publications)
hyperendemic region of Gueckedou Prefecture. The coverage of the intervention and its impact on malaria parasite prevalence were assessed. METHODS: Five cross-sectional surveys using cluster-based sampling and [...] ownership were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 35,123 individuals participated in the surveys. Malaria parasite prevalence declined in all intervention sous-prefectures from 2011 to 2013 (56.4-45.9 % in Gueckedou
Should we treat <em>Blastocystis </em>sp.? A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized pilot trial (Publications)
humans and a great variety of animals. It is unclear whether it is just a commensal or an infectious parasite that prompts eradication.The main objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of met [...] harbouring only Blastocystis sp. In addition, we explored whether Blastocystis subtype or concomitant parasitic infection detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may influence treatment outcome. METHODS:
The influence of zinc supplementation on morbidity due to <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em>: a randomized trial in preschool children in Papua New Guinea (Publications)
surveys were conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of the study to assess infection rates, parasite density, spleen enlargement, and hemoglobin levels. Zinc supplementation resulted in a 38% (95% [...] reduction in Plasmodium falciparum health center-based episodes, defined as parasitemia > or = 9200 parasites/microl with axial temperature > or = 37.5 degreesC or reported fever. Episodes accompanied by any
Optimization of triazine nitriles as rhodesain inhibitors: structure-activity relationships, bioisosteric imidazopyridine nitriles, and X-ray crystal... (Publications)
The cysteine protease rhodesain of Trypanosoma brucei parasites causing African sleeping sickness has emerged as a target for the development of new drug candidates. Based on a triazine nitrile moiety [...] series as proposed by molecular modeling. Sub-micromolar inhibition of the proliferation of cultured parasites was achieved for ligands decorated with the best substituents identified through the optimization
Malaria vaccines: from the laboratory to the field (Publications)
completely protective, the preferred option is to combine several antigens of different stages of the parasite in a multi-component multi-stage vaccine which is likely to protect both the travellers and the [...] antigens of the merozoite stage (MSP1&2 and RESA, Combination B) had an efficacy of 62% in reducing parasite density in Papua New Guinean children. A malaria vaccine that can reduce the burden of disease in
Antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities of flavonoids and their analogues: in vitro, in vivo, structure-activity relationship, and... (Publications)
Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are important parasitic diseases affecting millions of people in Africa, Asia, and South America. In a previous study, we identified several flavonoid glycosides as a [...] 0.8, and 1.0 microg/ml, respectively. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone and quercetin appeared to ameliorate parasitic infections in mouse models. Generally, the test compounds lacked cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo
The candidate blood-stage malaria vaccine P27A induces a robust humoral response in a fast track to the field phase I trial in exposed and non exposed... (Publications)
from P. falciparum TEX1 blood-stage protein found to be the target of human antibodies inhibiting parasite growth. The present project aimed at evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of P27A peptide vaccine [...] marked specific antibody response able to recognize TEX1 in infected erythrocytes and to inhibit parasite growth through an ADCI dependent mechanism. Incidence of AEs and antibody responses were significantly
Elimination of <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> in infected mice by slow release of artemisone (Publications)
have been indicated as alternatives, because both plasmodia and schistosomes are blood-feeding parasites. The mechanism of action of artemisinins is related to oxidative effects of the artemisinins on [...] of the artemisone that was verified in vivo and in vitro bioassays using drug-sensitive malaria parasites. We found superior strong anti-schistosome effects up to a total reduction of worm number, mainly
