Researchers from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Delhi have found a novel route to discover new drug targets and potential drugs for parasites that cause several diseases such as Loa loa nematode (roundworm) and Schistosoma mansoni platyhelminths (flatworm). The results were published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Both these … Continue reading ICGEB researchers adopt a novel approach to drug discovery
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Infectious Zika virus found in saliva and urine
If researchers had earlier reported the presence of Zika virus in urine and saliva samples (besides semen, blood and breast milk), a new study has been able to find infectious Zika virus particles in urine and saliva samples of two patients during the acute phase of infection. While in theory the presence of Zika virus … Continue reading Infectious Zika virus found in saliva and urine
Will the Zika infection rate during Olympics be lower?
In an open letter to Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO, 150 scientists and doctors had cited several reasons why the Olympics, the world’s biggest sporting event to start from August 5, to has to be postponed and/or moved to another location. But on May 28, the WHO clearly stated that “based on current assessment, … Continue reading Will the Zika infection rate during Olympics be lower?
Indian cholera vaccine found to be safe, efficacious
The safety and efficacy of oral cholera vaccine Shanchol manufactured by the Hyderabad-based Shantha Biotechnics Private Limited, a Sanofi company, have been proved in a large-scale field trial involving 94,675 people in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The efficacy of the vaccine delivered through routine government services to poor urban populations living in a cholera endemic region was … Continue reading Indian cholera vaccine found to be safe, efficacious
GM mosquitoes check dengue in Brazil
The use of genetically engineered mosquitoes to control dengue and chikungunya-causing Aedes aegypti mosquito population in the wild got a shot in the arm in a study undertaken in Juazeiro, northeast Brazil. Researchers successfully reduced the A. aegypti population in the wild by as much as 95 per cent, thus effectively preventing dengue and chikungunya … Continue reading GM mosquitoes check dengue in Brazil
Chikungunya vaccine shows promise
An experimental chikungunya vaccine to induce neutralising immune responses to kill the viruses once they enter the body has shown promise in mice. Mice vaccinated with the vaccine were “partially protected” even when they were infected with a high dose of chikungunya virus. In nature, the viral load will be much lower when it is … Continue reading Chikungunya vaccine shows promise
Science Chronicle 