Researchers Discover Potential 'Off Switch' for Toxoplasma Gondii Brain Parasite
By
amichail
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
Researchers have discovered a potential 'off switch' for Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite that infects the brains of approximately 40 million Americans. The parasite typically remains dormant but can cause serious health issues in immunocompromised individuals. Parasitologist Rajshekhar Gaji's lab at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has identified a mechanism that could allow doctors to eliminate the parasite without the risks associated with current treatments, which often involve toxic drugs that can't cross the blood-brain barrier effectively.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThere's a parasite living in the brains of 40 million Americans, and most of these human hosts are completely unaware.
Doctors don't usually treat this bug unless it begins wreaking havoc on the bodies of patients with weakened immune systems, but a new discovery may make short work of the invader without the typical risks.
Parasitologist Rajshekhar Gaji runs a lab at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, investigating what makes the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, tick.
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