Urinary schistosomiasis has afflicted humans for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptian papyri record “bloody urine” (parasite eggs were found in mummies dating to 1250–1000 BC) and in 1798 Napoleon’s soldiers dubbed Egypt “the land of menstruating men” due to widespread haematuria. 10.1038/ng.1065 Author: Oscar Gonzalo Figueredo
Genomic interest areas: Pathogen
Cronobacter sakazakii
Gram-negative encapsulated bacillus, opportunistic emerging pathogen. Outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of infant formula (powdered milk). It is capable of forming biofilms on baby bottles and latex nipples, leading to meningitis, bacteremia, necrotizing enterocolitis, or meningoencephalitis in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Its mortality rate ranges from 40–80%, and it may result in neurological…
Zombie-ant fungus
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is valued in local traditions for its medicinal properties. It contains cordycepin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects. Additionally, it supports kidney health and may help manage depression and diabetes. de Bekker, C., Ohm, R. A., Loreto, R. G., Sebastian, A., Albert, I., Merrow, M., Brachmann, A., & Hughes, D. P….
Yellow fever mosquito
Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector for several viral diseases, including yellow fever. Its genome is approximately 1.38 Gb in size, with around 15,000 genes. This improved reference genome provides valuable insights into its biology and can inform strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. Author: Manel Gómez García
T. gondii
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan causing toxoplasmosis, a widespread infection in humans and animals. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding parasite biology and developing treatments. 10.1186/gb-2009-10-5-r53 (May 20, 2009)
Jewel wasp
Nasonia vitripennis is a parasitic wasp species used as a model organism in evolutionary genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding insect genetics, development, and parasitic relationships. 10.1126/science.1178028 (Jan 15, 2010)
B. anthracis
Bacillus anthracis Ames strain is the causative agent of anthrax, a deadly disease affecting humans and animals. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding anthrax pathogenesis and developing countermeasures. 10.1038/nature01586 (May 1, 2003)
B. bovis
Babesia bovis is a protozoan parasite transmitted by ticks and causes bovine babesiosis, a severe disease in cattle. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding parasite biology and developing control measures. 10.1371/journal.ppat.0030148 (Oct 19, 2007)
E. coli
Escherichia coli, a common gut bacterium, has been extensively studied in microbiology. Its genome sequencing provides insights into bacterial genetics, metabolism, and pathogenicity. 10.1126/science.277.5331.1453 (Sep 5, 1997)
Cryptococcus
Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast responsible for cryptococcosis. Its genome provides insights into fungal virulence and drug resistance mechanisms. 10.1126/science.1103773 (Feb 25, 2005)