A 2022 mouse study suggests that nose-picking may increase the risk of Alzheimer's by allowing bacteria like Chlamydia pneumoniae to travel from the nose to the brain, potentially triggering Alzheimer's-like pathology, though human implications remain unconfirmed and further research is needed.
Scientists have discovered that disabling a specific protein, TgAP2X-7, in the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can effectively kill it by preventing invasion, replication, and survival, offering hope for safer treatments of toxoplasmosis, especially in immunocompromised patients.
A man infected with the deadly brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri has died in Missouri, possibly linked to water activities at Lake of the Ozarks. The infection, extremely rare and not contagious between people, occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, traveling to the brain. Public health officials are investigating the source, and precautions such as avoiding submerging the head in warm freshwater are recommended to reduce risk.
A 2022 study suggests a possible link between nose-picking and increased risk of Alzheimer's, as bacteria like Chlamydia pneumoniae can travel from the nose to the brain in mice, potentially triggering Alzheimer's-like pathology. While human implications are not yet confirmed, the research highlights the importance of nasal tissue health and warrants further investigation into environmental factors in Alzheimer's development.
A 2022 study suggests a possible link between nose-picking and increased risk of Alzheimer's, as bacteria like Chlamydia pneumoniae can travel from the nose to the brain in mice, potentially triggering Alzheimer's-like pathology. While human implications are not yet confirmed, the research highlights the importance of nasal tissue health and warrants further investigation into environmental factors in Alzheimer's development.
A study suggests that Human Pegivirus (HPgV), previously considered harmless, may be linked to Parkinson's disease as it was found in the brains of patients with the disorder but not in healthy individuals, indicating a potential environmental factor influencing disease development.
A study suggests that the Human Pegivirus (HPgV), previously considered harmless, may be linked to Parkinson's disease, as it was found in the brains of patients but not in healthy individuals, indicating a potential environmental factor influencing the disease's development.
Nearly one-third of Americans are infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that silently alters brain function by disrupting neuron-astrocyte communication through changes in extracellular vesicles, potentially increasing risks for neurological disorders and offering new avenues for detection and treatment.
Scientists at UC Riverside discovered that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii disrupts brain cell communication by reducing extracellular vesicle signaling, which can affect neural balance and potentially lead to neurological issues, highlighting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment of brain infections.
A Texas woman died after rinsing her sinuses with infected tap water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba. Experts warn against nasal exposure to unboiled or untreated water, especially in warm freshwater areas, and recommend boiling or using distilled water for sinus rinsing to prevent infection.
A new study by researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Bourgogne explores how the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), known for causing cold sores, can infect the brain and potentially contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study found that HSV-1 can enter the central nervous system via the trigeminal or olfactory nerves, affecting key brain regions such as the brain stem and hypothalamus, while sparing others like the hippocampus and cortex. The research highlights the role of microglia-induced inflammation in the brain, which may persist even after the virus is gone, potentially linking HSV-1 to chronic inflammation and neurological diseases. The findings, published in the Journal of Virology, provide insights into the virus's impact on brain health and its possible connection to neurodegenerative conditions.
The CDC has reported cases of Acanthamoeba infections resulting from nasal rinsing with unsterile tap water, leading to skin diseases and a rare brain infection called granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Three out of 10 infected individuals died, all of whom had weakened immune systems. The CDC recommends using boiled, sterile, or distilled water for nasal rinsing to prevent such infections.
A Florida man suffering from worsening migraines was found to have tapeworm larvae in his brain, likely originating from his habit of eating undercooked bacon. The 52-year-old's CT scan revealed multiple cysts in his brain, initially suspected to be a rare neurologic condition, but further tests showed the cysts were parasitic tapeworm larvae causing neurocysticercosis. The man's history of eating undercooked bacon led doctors to believe he contracted the parasite through "autoinfection." After treatment with steroids and anti-parasitic agents, his headaches improved, highlighting the importance of cooking meat to safe temperatures and proper handwashing to prevent such infections.
The CDC has warned against using tap water for nasal rinsing after 10 patients contracted deadly brain infections from the amoeba Acanthamoeba, found in over 50% of US tap water samples. The amoeba can cause severe illness and even death, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. The CDC recommends using boiled, sterile, or distilled water for nasal rinsing to prevent invasive Acanthamoeba infections. It's important to educate the public about the risks associated with using tap water for nasal rinsing, as many people are unaware of the potential dangers.
A 52-year-old man in the US developed tapeworm larva in his brain, likely from consuming undercooked bacon, leading to neurocysticercosis. Despite no recent travel to endemic areas or contact with pigs, the man's habit of eating undercooked bacon and poor hand hygiene likely caused the infection. The case highlights the increasing frequency of such infections in developed countries and the importance of considering neurocysticercosis in evaluating acute changes in migraines.