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Scientists find potential toxoplasmosis drug target
Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted through soil, undercooked meat or from contact with cat faeces.
Study reveals enzyme that is crucial for the parasite’s survival

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have found a potential weakness in the Toxoplasma parasite that may eventually lead to a new drug target.

Writing in Plos Pathogens, scientists describe how they have found a key enzyme in the toxoplasmosis-causing parasite (thioredoxin) which is essential for its survival. The team are now working with industry partners to create new drugs that would target this enzyme and kill the parasite.

“More and more studies highlight the parasite’s sensitivity to redox imbalance – a key function of the enzyme we have studied,” said Dr Sheiner, from the University’s Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology.

“Targeting the thioredoxin enzyme may make them vulnerable at stages of their life that are important for infection and dissemination. Finding enzymes in the parasite that we can target, and that don’t influence the human host, unravels this potentially deadly parasite’s Achilles’ heel.”

Toxoplasmosis is a common infection that is caused by the Toxoplasma parasite. It can be transmitted through soil, undercooked meat or from contact with cat faeces.

While most people who become infected with toxoplasmosis are not aware of it, the disease can be dangerous to unborn children and people with compromised immune systems.

Because the toxoplasmosis parasite is also used to learn about the biology of malaria-causing parasites, the team hope that their work will also lead to new drug targets for malaria.

Dr Sheiner said: “Our original interest in this research was not in drug discovery, rather we are excited to learn about how parasites work and how evolution provided them with special tools to serve their parasitic lifestyle. But, as in this case, we are obviously very happy if we stumble across promising targets for new drugs.”

Michael Chew, from Wellcome’s Infection and Immunobiology team, added: “Around a third of the UK population are thought to carry the Toxoplasma parasite. Normally a dormant parasite, it can lead to serious neurological harm when “awakened” in people with compromised immunity, like HIV patients, or those with an immature immune system, like infants and unborn children.

“This research is a great example of how basic, discovery science can lead to new drug targets for dangerous diseases.”

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."