River blindness, or onchocerciasis, is a disease caused by a parasitic worm found primarily in Africa. The parasite is spread by the bites of infected black flies that breed in rapidly flowing rivers.
A New and Much Needed Test for River Blindness Infection Found
At The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), scientists have found a telltale molecular marker for Onchocerciasis or river blindness .
At The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), scientists have found a telltale molecular marker for Onchocerciasis or river blindness .
‘River blindness has affected countries in Africa and Latin America, as well as Yemen. The disease can cause intense itching, eye damage, and irreversible blindness, reducing an individual's ability to work and learn.’
In a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, and other organizations describe how a cell phone-based videomicroscope can provide fast and effective testing for L. loa parasites in the blood, allowing these individuals to be protected from the adverse effects of ivermectin. In the new study, 16,259 volunteers in 92 villages in Cameroon where both L. loa and O. volvulus are commonly found provided finger-prick blood samples. These samples were then tested for L. loa using the LoaScope, a small microscope that incorporates a cell phone. Developed by a team led by researchers from NIAID and the University of California, Berkeley, the LoaScope returns test results in less than three minutes.
Volunteers who were not infected or who had low-level L. loa infections were given standard ivermectin treatment and observed closely for six days afterwards. Volunteers with high numbers of L. loa parasites in their blood did not receive ivermectin.
Inexpensive Program Set Up to Combat River Blindness in Africa
A new study shows that a relatively inexpensive program set up to combat river blindness, an infectious disease, has resulted in major health improvements in Africa.
A new study shows that a relatively inexpensive program set up to combat river blindness, an infectious disease, has resulted in major health improvements in Africa.
Source-Eurekalert
Scientists Show How River Blindness Worm Thrives
Scientists have found that the worm which causes River Blindness survives by using a bacterium to provide energy, and help 'trick' the body's immune system in fighting infections.
Scientists have found that the worm which causes River Blindness survives by using a bacterium to provide energy, and help 'trick' the body's immune system in fighting infections.
Novel Test That Identifies River Blindness Developed by Scripps Research Scientists
The first screening method that rapidly identifies individuals with active river blindness has been developed by scientists from The Scripps Research Institute.
The first screening method that rapidly identifies individuals with active river blindness has been developed by scientists from The Scripps Research Institute.
