Non-Invasive In Vivo Study of the Trypanosoma vivax Infectious Process Consolidates the Brain Commitment in Late Infections

Authors: Simon D’Archivio, Alain Cosson, Mathieu Medina, Thierry Lang, Paola Minoprio, Sophie Goyard

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001976

Abstract Summary

Researchers developed a genetically modified strain of Trypanosoma vivax (a parasite causing sleeping sickness in animals) that glows with firefly luciferase, enabling real-time tracking of infections in mice. This breakthrough allows non-invasive monitoring of parasite spread through organs like spleen, liver, and brain, providing valuable insights into disease progression.

Why Brain? 🧠

Study creates first bioluminescent T. vivax strain to track parasite spread in live mice, confirming brain invasion occurs in late-stage infections and validating new drug screening methods.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.