schistosomiasis

Scientists think there's a step closer to a new drug to treat schistosomiasis. More then 200 million people suffer from this parasitic worm disease. Most live in developing nations in tropical climates. About 10% victims become seriously disabled from internal bleeding, iron loss, organ damage or other effects. A team in the United States has found that chemical compounds known as oxadiazoles can target an enzyme needed for the survival of schistosomiasis. This is a group of flatworms cause schistosomiasis. The Scientists tested oxadiazoles on laboratory mice. They found that one compound killed parasite at every level of development from larva to adult. The study also shows that compound active against all 3 major species of Schistosoma worms that infect humans. the national Institutes of health supported research. Scientists for Illinois State University and Chemical Genomics center at N.I.H reported their findings in the journal Nature Medicine. Biology professor David Williams led the research, he says the Schistosoma parasite needs oxygen to servive.