Scripps Research licenses urine dipstick test for river blindness to IVD Research

IVD Research, Inc., a contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) firm in Carlsbad, California has licensed a novel biomarker for onchocerciasis—better known as river blindness—from Scripps Research in La Jolla, California….

Lateral flow test kits – What are they and how do they work?

Lateral flow immunoassays have become increasingly popular point-of-care diagnostic tools because they are versatile, easy to use, and provide quick, accurate results without the need for laboratory testing. Most laypeople…

What is Fascioliasis? FAQs: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Found in over 50 countries where people engage in sheep and cattle production, fascioliasis is caused by two types of parasitic flatworm, or trematode (Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica). The…

What Is Schistosomiasis? FAQs: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Schistosomiasis is caused by the Schistosoma parasite, a form of parasitic worm. Various species of the Schistosoma parasite can cause illness. Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and S. japonicum are the most common…

What are Current Good Manufacturing Practices for the Biotech Industry?

If you’re new to the world of biotechnology manufacturing, you’ve likely heard the term “current Good Manufacturing Practices” or “cGMPs” a lot. These regulations, enforced by the U.S. Food and…

What Is Toxocariasis (Roundworm infection)? FAQs: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Toxocariasis is an infection caused by the Toxocara parasite, a type of parasitic roundworm. While the infection can affect people of all ages, children are more likely to contract the…

WHAT IS STRONGYLOIDES? SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Strongyloidesis a disease caused by the intestinal roundworm, or nematode, Strongyloides. Over 40 species of Strongyloides exist that can infect birds, livestock, and other animals, but the S. stercoralis species…

WHAT IS GIARDIA? FAQS: SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION

Giardia is a common intestinal infection that affects cats, dogs, and humans. It is caused by a single-celled parasite and can result in diarrhea and weight loss; if untreated or…

What Is Amebiasis? FAQs: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

The E. histolytica parasite causes amebiasis, an inflammation of the small intestine. Amebiasis can be found worldwide but occurs most often in developing countries, particularly those in tropical climates. In…

What is E. coli O157? FAQs: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria have several strains and can cause a variety of illnesses. E. coli O157 is a particularly virulent strain of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), which is…