Scientists develop a simple assay capable of tracking 'superparasites'

Scientists from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, have developed a simple assay that is capable of tracking 'superparasites'.

The development marks a significant breakthrough in bridging high-tech molecular biology research on microbial pathogens and the needs of the poorest of the poor. The researchers sequenced the complete genome of Leishmania donovani (a parasite which causes one of the most important tropical diseases after malaria) and successfully identified a series of mutations specific of superparasites. They then developed an assay which should allow tracking them anywhere.

In a collaborative study between several governing bodies and research institutions, the researchers from Antwerp seem to have made a significant breakthrough in combating infectious diseases. Leishmania occurs primarily in Latin-America, East-Africa, Asia and countries around the Mediterranean Sea, where costs to detect such diseases often cannot be met.

The unicellular parasite causes a disease called leishmaniasis. The World Health Organization projected there are up to 1.6 million of new cases of leishmaniasis every year, and it affects essentially the poorest of the poor. Additionally, scientists from the same group recently identified the existence of 'superparasites' among these already dangerous microbes, which could jeopardise current efforts to control this devastating disease.

After researchers detected a series of mutations that are specific for these drug resistant and more virulent microbes, a new easy-to-apply assay has been developed which allows for rapid detection. Dr Manu Vanaerschot, first author of the paper said: "Thanks to the discovery of these mutations, made possible through funding by the European Commission, the spread and emergence of these drug resistant parasites can be more efficiently monitored, contributing to a better and more adequate control of the parasite and the disease it causes."

The study has been published in the last issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Posted by Ben Evans