The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis are related diseases caused by single celled organisms (protozoa) transmitted by insects. Between them, these diseases are responsible for much suffering among humans and livestock and so a greater understanding of their biology is a vital part of the campaign to control them. Modern molecular techniques available for use in understanding the control of these diseases are becoming more sophisticated and are increasingly becoming universally applicable to a wide variety of diseases. This book brings together the research approaches that are used interchangeably to understand both Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis. Examples of such fruitful integration can be seen in a number of research areas: genome mapping, molecular and population genetic approaches to epidemiology, studies on polyamine metabolism and possible targets for rational drug design, studies on cellular signalling as a route to understanding host-parasite interactions and studies on chemotherapy and drug resistance. There are also chapters that consider those features that are unique to either Trypanosomiasis or Leishmaniasis. Thus a broad overview of the biology of each disease from the molecular level right up to the whole animal is provided. Contributors come from the leading research groups working on these diseases and include clinicians, laboratory based researchers and social scientists. The book provides an up-to-date summary of the advances in the understanding of these diseases that have come about through the use of modern technologies. By presenting an integration of research into both Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis this book provides an innovative contribution to the literature in this area. It is important reading for all parasitologists, pharmacologists, epidemiologists and clinicians working with these organisms. It is also a useful resource for veterinarians, public health workers, policy makers and social scientists concerned with Trypanosomiasis or Leishmaniasis.
This book contains a collection of critical reviews on the expression of biologically functional proteins in Leishmania and Trypanosoma, which was written by renowned researchers on this field. Species belonging to these trypanosomatids’ genera are etiological agents of leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease and sleeping sickness that are extremely debilitating human infection diseases, which remain a major health problem especially in countries from Latin America, Africa and Middle East. Substantiating the problem, the currently accepted drugs for these diseases are quiet unsatisfying due to their low efficacy and high toxicity. In order to solve these real problems, several research groups around the world have become involved in the study and identification of novel potential targets in the trypanosomatid cell. Since proteins are key macromolecules involved in crucial metabolic processes of all living cells, studies have focused on the expression of specific proteins produced by Leishmania and Trypanosoma by means of different biochemical, molecular and proteomic approaches in order to explore them as targets for understanding the parasite life cycle and developing new strategies against trypanosomiasis. With these proposals in mind, the book “Proteins and Proteomics of Leishmania and Trypanosoma” encompasses (i) an integrated view about the biochemistry of parasites belonging to the Leishmania and Trypanosoma genera; (ii) an updated review on the expression of biologically relevant proteins by human pathogenic trypanosomatids and their possible role in the interaction with host cells/molecules as well as a target for development of both alternative chemotherapies and vaccine; and (iii) several pictures, diagrams and tables that can be used to illustrate both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching as well as scientific lectures, being a useful resource for students and researchers.
Frontiers in Parasitology is an Ebook series devoted to publishing the latest and the most important advances in parasitology. Eminent scientists present reviews on the microbiology, cytology, epidemiology, genomics, and molecular biology of microbial parasites and their associated infections. Additionally, the series also gives information about new diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The Ebook series is essential reading to all scientists involved in studying harmful microbes and their impact on human health.
The Disease Reference Group on Chagas Disease Human AfricanTrypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis (DRG3) was part of an independent thinktankof international experts established by the Special Programme for Researchand Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) to identify key research prioritiesthrough systematic review of research evidence and input from stakeholders. These three distinct insect-borne diseases while caused by related kinetoplastidprotozoan pathogens have dissimilar geographical distributions a reflection oftheir different insect vectors and range of vector contact with humans. Thedisease.
