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Scabies mite genome mapped in boost for remote Indigenous health Scabies mite genome mapped in boost for remote Indigenous health
(7 months later)
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Thousands of scabies mites were analysed by Australian researchers in a study that could lead to more healthy skin in people in remote Indigenous communities.Thousands of scabies mites were analysed by Australian researchers in a study that could lead to more healthy skin in people in remote Indigenous communities.
The team used cutting-edge genome technologies to identify the genetic map of the human parasitic scabies mite.The team used cutting-edge genome technologies to identify the genetic map of the human parasitic scabies mite.
Scabies, a contagious disease characterised by extreme itching, is a major health problem in developing countries and in Indigenous Australian populations.Scabies, a contagious disease characterised by extreme itching, is a major health problem in developing countries and in Indigenous Australian populations.
The research, published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, was led by associate professor Tony Papenfuss from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Dr Katja Fischer from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland.The research, published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, was led by associate professor Tony Papenfuss from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Dr Katja Fischer from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland.
They say the finding will accelerate research that could lead to new ways of preventing and treating scabies infestations and prevent lifelong complications.They say the finding will accelerate research that could lead to new ways of preventing and treating scabies infestations and prevent lifelong complications.
Seven out of 10 children in remote Aboriginal communities will contract scabies before they reach 12 months.Seven out of 10 children in remote Aboriginal communities will contract scabies before they reach 12 months.
“A shocking seven out of 10 children in remote Aboriginal communities will contract scabies before they reach one year of age,” Papenfuss said.“A shocking seven out of 10 children in remote Aboriginal communities will contract scabies before they reach one year of age,” Papenfuss said.
Scabies infestations often become infected, which can cause rheumatic fever, acute kidney disease and rheumatic heart disease.Scabies infestations often become infected, which can cause rheumatic fever, acute kidney disease and rheumatic heart disease.
“We analysed thousands of mites to get sufficient DNA for sequencing and developed bespoke analysis methods to overcome DNA contamination from the host animal and bacteria in the wound,” Papenfuss said.“We analysed thousands of mites to get sufficient DNA for sequencing and developed bespoke analysis methods to overcome DNA contamination from the host animal and bacteria in the wound,” Papenfuss said.
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Dr Fischer said the team compared DNA sequences from human scabies mites with those from domestic pigs, which commonly have scabies.Dr Fischer said the team compared DNA sequences from human scabies mites with those from domestic pigs, which commonly have scabies.
“One of the unexpected things we found was that one patient was infected with mites that were genetically more similar to pig mites than to human mites,” she said.“One of the unexpected things we found was that one patient was infected with mites that were genetically more similar to pig mites than to human mites,” she said.
“This suggests it may be possible for certain animal strains of mites to infect humans, which we did not previously know was possible.“This suggests it may be possible for certain animal strains of mites to infect humans, which we did not previously know was possible.
“If subsequent studies confirm this finding, it could have major implications for disease control programs.”“If subsequent studies confirm this finding, it could have major implications for disease control programs.”