Riya Baibhawi

Brain Developed in Space Could Help Cure World's Top Killer Disease

Alzheimer's Disease

Artificial Brain

A new experiment by biotechnology company Axonis Therapeutics could prove to be a game changer in treatment of mental health conditions. There are several mental health conditions that have no cure but only treatments to manage symptoms. The list includes <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/alzheimers-disease">Alzheimer's Disease</a></span>, <span>Parkinson's Disease</span>, Huntington's Disease, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/schizophrenia">Schizophrenia</a></span>, Bipolar Disorder (in severe cases), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Chronic Depression amongst others.

Now in a rather stunning development, scientists have grown tiny human <span>brain</span>s in space to research new treatment for various mental health conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal injuries. Interestingly, since there is low gravity in space, it enabled researchers to create "brain organoids" (cluster of cells that replicate structure and function of brain) in just 72 hours. The same process could take months on earth. 

The primary agenda of this is to allow scientists to explore a new to treat the currently uncurable neurological conditions. For this new treatment, researchers are using a reprogrammed virus to deliver beneficial gene therapy to central nervous system cells (CNS). Such modified viruses are called viral vectors, and they could be particularly useful for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries.

As reported by Daily Mail, every year, almost 600,000 Americans are diagnosed with either Alzheimer's or Parkinson's each year, and roughly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur. 

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia, a group of symptoms that interfere with daily life. In Alzheimer's, abnormal protein deposits, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between nerve cells and leading to their gradual death.

Early symptoms often include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with problem-solving or decision-making. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience significant personality changes, trouble with language, disorientation, and a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Parkinson's disease is a neurogenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons in the brain. People suffering from it face problems in motor movement, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. Interestingly, several research studies have indicated that this condition may begin in the gut rather than in the brain as gastrointestinal problems are common among people with neurodegenerative disorders.

As the name suggests, spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur when there is damage to the spinal cord. This often results  from trauma such as accidents, falls, or physical violence. These injuries can lead to a loss of function, sensation, or movement below the site of the injury. The severity of the impact depends on the location and extent of the damage. Injuries higher up on the spine, such as in the cervical region (neck), can result in paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia), while injuries lower on the spine may cause paralysis in the legs (paraplegia). SCI can also cause other complications like loss of bladder and bowel control, respiratory problems, and chronic pain.

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A new experiment by biotechnology company Axonis Therapeutics could prove to be a game changer in treatment of mental health conditions. There are several mental health conditions that have no cure but only treatments to manage symptoms. The list includes Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder (in severe cases), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Chronic Depression amongst others.Now in a rather stunning development, scientists have grown tiny human brains in space to research new treatment for various mental health conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal injuries. Interestingly, since there is low gravity in space, it enabled researchers to create "brain organoids" (cluster of cells that replicate structure and function of brain) in just 72 hours. The same process could take months on earth. The primary agenda of this is to allow scientists to explore a new to treat the currently uncurable neurological conditions. For this new treatment, researchers are using a reprogrammed virus to deliver beneficial gene therapy to central nervous system cells (CNS). Such modified viruses are called viral vectors, and they could be particularly useful for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries.As reported by Daily Mail, every year, almost 600,000 Americans are diagnosed with either Alzheimer's or Parkinson's each year, and roughly 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur. How Dangerous Is Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia, a group of symptoms that interfere with daily life. In Alzheimer's, abnormal protein deposits, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between nerve cells and leading to their gradual death.Early symptoms often include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with problem-solving or decision-making. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience significant personality changes, trouble with language, disorientation, and a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks.Parkinson's disease is a neurogenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons in the brain. People suffering from it face problems in motor movement, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. Interestingly, several research studies have indicated that this condition may begin in the gut rather than in the brain as gastrointestinal problems are common among people with neurodegenerative disorders.As the name suggests, spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur when there is damage to the spinal cord. This often results  from trauma such as accidents, falls, or physical violence. These injuries can lead to a loss of function, sensation, or movement below the site of the injury. The severity of the impact depends on the location and extent of the damage. Injuries higher up on the spine, such as in the cervical region (neck), can result in paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia), while injuries lower on the spine may cause paralysis in the legs (paraplegia). SCI can also cause other complications like loss of bladder and bowel control, respiratory problems, and chronic pain.

brain developed in space could help cure world's top killer disease

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at 15, this girl began walking like a 90-year-old due to a spine condition that affects 1 in 10 kids

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had established a constitutional right to <span>abortion</span>. With the Dobbs ruling, the authority to regulate abortion returned to individual states—setting off a wave of legislative action that continues to reshape access to abortion care across the country.

Three years later, the national abortion landscape is more fragmented than ever. Some states have implemented near-total bans, while others have enshrined protections into their constitutions. As legal battles unfold and ballot measures continue to appear, access to abortion has become heavily dependent on geography.

<h4>tates That Ban and States That Protect</h4>

As of mid-2025, abortion is nearly banned in 13 states, with limited exceptions such as life endangerment or cases of rape or incest. 

In over 25 other states, gestational limits range from six to 26 weeks. These restrictions are particularly concentrated in the South and Midwest, where legislative action following the Dobbs decision was swift.

Conversely, several states have moved to protect or expand abortion rights. 

Since 2022, voters in California, Michigan, Ohio, and Vermont have passed constitutional amendments guaranteeing the right to abortion.

In states like Kansas, Kentucky, and Montana, voters rejected ballot measures that would have added new abortion restrictions.

In Missouri—a state that implemented one of the country’s strictest abortion bans immediately after the Dobbs ruling—voters passed a measure in 2024 to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution.

However, that decision was followed by further legal disputes. The Missouri Supreme Court later blocked abortion access again, and lawmakers have approved another referendum for 2026 that could reverse the constitutional amendment.

<h4>Increased Travel and Rising Costs for Abortion Seekers</h4>

As access has narrowed in certain states, more people are traveling long distances to obtain abortion care. According to data from The Brigid Alliance, an organization that provides travel and logistical support to abortion-seekers, average travel distances have increased nearly 50% since the Dobbs ruling. Today, many patients are traveling more than 1,400 miles round trip to reach a provider.

The group also reports that average travel-related expenses have risen to more than $2,300 per patient—reflecting the rising cost of transportation, lodging, and time away from work. The majority of their clients seeking assistance now come from states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, where laws have become increasingly restrictive.

Southern states, in particular, have emerged as areas where abortion access is most limited. For example, Florida implemented a six-week abortion ban after a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion access narrowly failed, receiving just under the 60% threshold required for passage. This has redirected patients to other states with more permissive laws, such as Virginia.

<h4>Ballot Measures Shape State Policies</h4>

Since the Dobbs ruling, many abortion-related measures have appeared on state ballots—either to protect or restrict access. In 2024 alone, voters in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and New York took up initiatives involving abortion rights. Most successful measures focused on preserving access until fetal viability, generally considered to occur around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Not all efforts to expand abortion rights have succeeded. In Nebraska, voters faced competing ballot measures—one aiming to restrict abortion after the first trimester (which passed) and another to guarantee abortion access up to fetal viability (which failed). South Dakota also rejected a measure to protect abortion rights.

Three years after Dobbs, the U.S. remains sharply divided on abortion access, with legal and political fights continuing to play out across state lines. As more ballot measures are introduced and court rulings evolve, the future of abortion rights in America remains uncertain—shaped less by federal law than by the individual choices of state governments and their voters.

us health

reproductive health

us abortion law

abortion laws in us

health and wellness

abortion

us health news

states and abortion

roe v wade

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had established a constitutional right to abortion. With the Dobbs ruling, the authority to regulate abortion returned to individual states—setting off a wave of legislative action that continues to reshape access to abortion care across the country.Three years later, the national abortion landscape is more fragmented than ever. Some states have implemented near-total bans, while others have enshrined protections into their constitutions. As legal battles unfold and ballot measures continue to appear, access to abortion has become heavily dependent on geography.tates That Ban and States That ProtectAs of mid-2025, abortion is nearly banned in 13 states, with limited exceptions such as life endangerment or cases of rape or incest. In over 25 other states, gestational limits range from six to 26 weeks. These restrictions are particularly concentrated in the South and Midwest, where legislative action following the Dobbs decision was swift.Conversely, several states have moved to protect or expand abortion rights. Since 2022, voters in California, Michigan, Ohio, and Vermont have passed constitutional amendments guaranteeing the right to abortion.(function(d){var js, id="pikto-embed-js", ref=d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) { return;}js=d.createElement("script"); js.id=id; js.async=true;js.src="https://create.piktochart.com/assets/embedding/embed.js";ref.parentNode.insertBefore(js, ref);}(document));]]>In states like Kansas, Kentucky, and Montana, voters rejected ballot measures that would have added new abortion restrictions.In Missouri—a state that implemented one of the country’s strictest abortion bans immediately after the Dobbs ruling—voters passed a measure in 2024 to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution.However, that decision was followed by further legal disputes. The Missouri Supreme Court later blocked abortion access again, and lawmakers have approved another referendum for 2026 that could reverse the constitutional amendment.Increased Travel and Rising Costs for Abortion SeekersAs access has narrowed in certain states, more people are traveling long distances to obtain abortion care. According to data from The Brigid Alliance, an organization that provides travel and logistical support to abortion-seekers, average travel distances have increased nearly 50% since the Dobbs ruling. Today, many patients are traveling more than 1,400 miles round trip to reach a provider.The group also reports that average travel-related expenses have risen to more than $2,300 per patient—reflecting the rising cost of transportation, lodging, and time away from work. The majority of their clients seeking assistance now come from states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, where laws have become increasingly restrictive.Southern states, in particular, have emerged as areas where abortion access is most limited. For example, Florida implemented a six-week abortion ban after a proposed constitutional amendment to protect abortion access narrowly failed, receiving just under the 60% threshold required for passage. This has redirected patients to other states with more permissive laws, such as Virginia.Ballot Measures Shape State PoliciesSince the Dobbs ruling, many abortion-related measures have appeared on state ballots—either to protect or restrict access. In 2024 alone, voters in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and New York took up initiatives involving abortion rights. Most successful measures focused on preserving access until fetal viability, generally considered to occur around 24 weeks of pregnancy.Not all efforts to expand abortion rights have succeeded. In Nebraska, voters faced competing ballot measures—one aiming to restrict abortion after the first trimester (which passed) and another to guarantee abortion access up to fetal viability (which failed). South Dakota also rejected a measure to protect abortion rights.Reflecting Three years after Dobbs, the U.S. remains sharply divided on abortion access, with legal and political fights continuing to play out across state lines. As more ballot measures are introduced and court rulings evolve, the future of abortion rights in America remains uncertain—shaped less by federal law than by the individual choices of state governments and their voters.

how abortion policies have changed across states since dobbs ruling

Is Collagen Worsening Type 2 Diabetes?

Not From The Brain, Scientists Trace Parkinson’s Disease To This Organ In Your Body

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A new study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society offers critical insight into the biological mechanisms underlying <span>type 2 diabetes</span>. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata, have identified a key trigger that accelerates the progression of this widespread disease: the structural protein <span>collagen</span> I.

Type 2 <span>diabetes</span> currently affects over 500 million people worldwide, and numbers are expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. The disease is primarily driven by a combination of genetics, lifestyle factors, and complex cellular mechanisms. At its core lies the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells, the insulin-producing cells responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.

As diabetes develops, β-cells either fail to produce enough insulin or the body’s cells become resistant to it. A lesser-known yet crucial hormone, amylin, is also secreted by these β-cells and plays a vital role in managing blood sugar after meals. However, in diabetic conditions, excessive amylin production leads to misfolding and toxic clumping, which damages β-cells and accelerates disease progression.

<h4>Collagen I Accelerates Amylin Clumping</h4>

In the latest study, the research team pinpointed fibrillar collagen I, a common component of the extracellular matrix, as a key factor driving the toxic aggregation of amylin. Found abundantly in connective tissues like skin and bones, collagen I is also present in the pancreatic environment—particularly in diabetic tissues where it is elevated.

“Every tissue is composed of cells and an extracellular matrix that provides structural support. In diabetic pancreatic tissue, this matrix, especially collagen I, becomes more prominent,” explained Prof. Shamik Sen, the study’s lead investigator from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay.

The researchers discovered that collagen I acts like a scaffold or platform, accelerating the misfolding and aggregation of amylin, which in turn damages β-cells. This discovery adds a new layer to understanding why the disease worsens over time, even with treatments targeting cellular pathways.

<h4>Biophysical Evidence Supports Findings</h4>

To investigate how collagen I interacts with amylin, the team used a suite of advanced biophysical tools. These included surface plasmon resonance to measure binding strength, atomic force microscopy to study molecular adhesion, thioflavin T fluorescence to track aggregation speed, and NMR spectroscopy to identify interacting regions of the molecules.

“Amylin almost coats the collagen fibres, forming stable, toxic aggregates that cells struggle to clear,” said Prof. Sen. The behavior of amylin on collagen fibres resembled trains moving on tracks—quickly and with destructive momentum.

Computer simulations by Prof. Prasenjit Bhaumik’s group at IIT Bombay confirmed that fibrillar collagen I accelerates the toxic aggregation process, offering further validation of the molecular interaction.

<h4>Biological Evidence from Mouse and Human Tissues</h4>

The team extended their study to biological samples from diabetic mice and humans. With the help of Prof. Hamim Zafar and Prof. Sai Prasad Pydi from IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Sankhadeep Dutta from CNCI, they analyzed single-cell data and tissue architecture.

The findings were striking: as diabetes progressed, both collagen and amylin levels rose, accompanied by damage to pancreatic islets—clusters of cells that house insulin-producing β-cells.

<h4>Testing the Combined Effect on Cells</h4>

To test the functional impact, the researchers grew lab-engineered β-cells on collagen gels containing amylin. These cells showed increased oxidative stress, reduced insulin production, and higher rates of cell death, compared to controls grown without collagen or amylin.

This suggests that the extracellular environment, particularly collagen I, plays a central role in worsening β-cell dysfunction in diabetes.

The findings could explain why many diabetes treatments fall short—they overlook the external microenvironment contributing to disease progression. “Unless we disrupt the interaction between amylin and collagen, we may not be able to eliminate the toxic pancreatic environment,” said Prof. Sen.

Looking ahead, the team is working on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) models to visualize how amylin and collagen interact at the molecular level. They are also exploring 3D tissue engineering strategies to restore pancreatic function by replicating healthy extracellular conditions.

type 2 diabetes

diabetes

collagen

collagen and diabetes

A new study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society offers critical insight into the biological mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata, have identified a key trigger that accelerates the progression of this widespread disease: the structural protein collagen I.A Rising Global Health CrisisType 2 diabetes currently affects over 500 million people worldwide, and numbers are expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. The disease is primarily driven by a combination of genetics, lifestyle factors, and complex cellular mechanisms. At its core lies the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells, the insulin-producing cells responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.As diabetes develops, β-cells either fail to produce enough insulin or the body’s cells become resistant to it. A lesser-known yet crucial hormone, amylin, is also secreted by these β-cells and plays a vital role in managing blood sugar after meals. However, in diabetic conditions, excessive amylin production leads to misfolding and toxic clumping, which damages β-cells and accelerates disease progression.Collagen I Accelerates Amylin ClumpingIn the latest study, the research team pinpointed fibrillar collagen I, a common component of the extracellular matrix, as a key factor driving the toxic aggregation of amylin. Found abundantly in connective tissues like skin and bones, collagen I is also present in the pancreatic environment—particularly in diabetic tissues where it is elevated.“Every tissue is composed of cells and an extracellular matrix that provides structural support. In diabetic pancreatic tissue, this matrix, especially collagen I, becomes more prominent,” explained Prof. Shamik Sen, the study’s lead investigator from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay.The researchers discovered that collagen I acts like a scaffold or platform, accelerating the misfolding and aggregation of amylin, which in turn damages β-cells. This discovery adds a new layer to understanding why the disease worsens over time, even with treatments targeting cellular pathways.Biophysical Evidence Supports FindingsTo investigate how collagen I interacts with amylin, the team used a suite of advanced biophysical tools. These included surface plasmon resonance to measure binding strength, atomic force microscopy to study molecular adhesion, thioflavin T fluorescence to track aggregation speed, and NMR spectroscopy to identify interacting regions of the molecules.“Amylin almost coats the collagen fibres, forming stable, toxic aggregates that cells struggle to clear,” said Prof. Sen. The behavior of amylin on collagen fibres resembled trains moving on tracks—quickly and with destructive momentum.Computer simulations by Prof. Prasenjit Bhaumik’s group at IIT Bombay confirmed that fibrillar collagen I accelerates the toxic aggregation process, offering further validation of the molecular interaction.Biological Evidence from Mouse and Human TissuesThe team extended their study to biological samples from diabetic mice and humans. With the help of Prof. Hamim Zafar and Prof. Sai Prasad Pydi from IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Sankhadeep Dutta from CNCI, they analyzed single-cell data and tissue architecture.The findings were striking: as diabetes progressed, both collagen and amylin levels rose, accompanied by damage to pancreatic islets—clusters of cells that house insulin-producing β-cells.Testing the Combined Effect on CellsTo test the functional impact, the researchers grew lab-engineered β-cells on collagen gels containing amylin. These cells showed increased oxidative stress, reduced insulin production, and higher rates of cell death, compared to controls grown without collagen or amylin.This suggests that the extracellular environment, particularly collagen I, plays a central role in worsening β-cell dysfunction in diabetes.The findings could explain why many diabetes treatments fall short—they overlook the external microenvironment contributing to disease progression. “Unless we disrupt the interaction between amylin and collagen, we may not be able to eliminate the toxic pancreatic environment,” said Prof. Sen.Looking ahead, the team is working on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) models to visualize how amylin and collagen interact at the molecular level. They are also exploring 3D tissue engineering strategies to restore pancreatic function by replicating healthy extracellular conditions.

is collagen worsening type 2 diabetes?

Tanya Dutt

Man Battles Deadly Parasites 'Crawling In His Body' After Kidney Transplant—A Rare Risk Doctors Warn About

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Can A Sudden Drop In Blood Pressure Lead To Death?

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A horror that bothers most transplant patients came true in the most weirdest way possible, two U.S. kidney transplant recipients were found to be infected with parasitic worms from a single deceased donor. The shocking revelation was documented in a case report published June 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine, shedding light on rare but severe donor-derived infections that may be slipping through existing screening protocols.

The source of the infections was traced back to a single deceased donor who had lived in the Caribbean, a region where some parasitic infections are more common. The donor’s kidneys were transplanted into two men at separate hospitals—Massachusetts General Hospital (MassGen) and Albany Medical Center—setting off a medical mystery that would take weeks to unravel.

The first recipient, a 61-year-old man, underwent surgery at MassGen. Ten weeks after the transplant, he was readmitted to the hospital with a cascade of alarming symptoms: nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, abdominal and back pain, and fever. His condition deteriorated rapidly, with fluid building up in his lungs, a dramatic drop in oxygen levels, and eventually, respiratory failure and shock. Doctors in the intensive care unit noted a distinctive purple rash—like a constellation of bruises—spreading across his abdomen.

Dr. Camille Kotton, an expert in infectious diseases and transplants, led the investigation. She recalled previous cases of organ recipients being infected by Strongyloides stercoralis, a small roundworm commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates. Reaching out to New England Donor Services, the team discovered that the kidney donor—who had resided in the Caribbean—had indeed carried antibodies for Strongyloides, confirming prior exposure.

Testing of the recipient’s blood confirmed he had no preexisting antibodies for the parasite before the transplant but had developed them afterward. Further diagnostics revealed the worms had spread systemically, affecting his lungs, abdomen, and skin. The parasite had essentially colonized his entire body, exploiting his weakened immune defenses.

Further testing showed the patient had developed antibodies to the parasite post-transplant, and samples from his body revealed that the worms had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and skin.

<h2>How Rare Are Parasitic Infections in Transplants?</h2>

Infections from transplanted organs are exceedingly rare. Over more than a decade, only 14 out of every 10,000 organ transplants in the U.S. have resulted in donor-derived infections, according to a major review. Of these, parasitic infections—especially those caused by Strongyloides—account for a significant portion, but the overall numbers remain very low.

Historically, fewer than one in four U.S. organ procurement organizations regularly screened for Strongyloides. However, as awareness of these risks has grown, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network in 2023 called for universal testing for this parasite in all donors.

The discovery at MassGen prompted a nationwide alert to other centers that had received organs from the same donor. At Albany Medical Center, a 66-year-old man who had received the other kidney was experiencing fatigue, low white blood cell counts, and worsening kidney function. Armed with the new information, his doctors quickly diagnosed and treated the parasitic infection, preventing the severe complications seen in the first patient.

<h2>Why it is Important to Strengthen Safety Protocols?</h2>

This unsettling incident underscores the importance of rigorous donor screening, especially when donors have lived in regions where parasitic infections are more prevalent. The case has already prompted policy shifts and reinforced the need for continual vigilance in transplant medicine.

"Although donor-derived infections are uncommon, when they do occur, they can be catastrophic. We must use every tool available to prevent such outcomes," said Dr. Kotton.

These cases have prompted renewed calls for rigorous screening of organ donors, especially those from regions where certain parasites are endemic. While U.S. doctors already avoid using organs from donors with known active infections like tuberculosis, not all infectious agents are routinely tested for, and some, like Strongyloides, can remain dormant and undetectable for years.

Universal screening for Strongyloides is now being implemented, but experts caution that vigilance must remain high. Immunosuppressed patients—such as organ transplant recipients—are particularly vulnerable to rare infections, and symptoms can be easily mistaken for other complications like transplant rejection or drug reactions.

For patients awaiting transplants, the story may raise unsettling questions, but experts stress that the benefits of organ transplantation far outweigh the risks. The U.S. transplant system has an excellent safety record, and cases like these, while alarming, are extremely rare and now more preventable than ever.

Patients can play a role by staying informed, asking about donor screening protocols, and adhering closely to post-transplant care guidelines. As science and medicine evolve, so too does the capability to ensure safer, more effective transplants across the board.

parasitic worms kidney transplant

organ transplant infection

strongyloides stercoralis transplant

donor derived infection

kidney transplant complications

us hospital transplant case

parasite screening protocols

A horror that bothers most transplant patients came true in the most weirdest way possible, two U.S. kidney transplant recipients were found to be infected with parasitic worms from a single deceased donor. The shocking revelation was documented in a case report published June 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine, shedding light on rare but severe donor-derived infections that may be slipping through existing screening protocols.The source of the infections was traced back to a single deceased donor who had lived in the Caribbean, a region where some parasitic infections are more common. The donor’s kidneys were transplanted into two men at separate hospitals—Massachusetts General Hospital (MassGen) and Albany Medical Center—setting off a medical mystery that would take weeks to unravel.The first recipient, a 61-year-old man, underwent surgery at MassGen. Ten weeks after the transplant, he was readmitted to the hospital with a cascade of alarming symptoms: nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, abdominal and back pain, and fever. His condition deteriorated rapidly, with fluid building up in his lungs, a dramatic drop in oxygen levels, and eventually, respiratory failure and shock. Doctors in the intensive care unit noted a distinctive purple rash—like a constellation of bruises—spreading across his abdomen.Dr. Camille Kotton, an expert in infectious diseases and transplants, led the investigation. She recalled previous cases of organ recipients being infected by Strongyloides stercoralis, a small roundworm commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates. Reaching out to New England Donor Services, the team discovered that the kidney donor—who had resided in the Caribbean—had indeed carried antibodies for Strongyloides, confirming prior exposure.Testing of the recipient’s blood confirmed he had no preexisting antibodies for the parasite before the transplant but had developed them afterward. Further diagnostics revealed the worms had spread systemically, affecting his lungs, abdomen, and skin. The parasite had essentially colonized his entire body, exploiting his weakened immune defenses.Further testing showed the patient had developed antibodies to the parasite post-transplant, and samples from his body revealed that the worms had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and skin.How Rare Are Parasitic Infections in Transplants?Infections from transplanted organs are exceedingly rare. Over more than a decade, only 14 out of every 10,000 organ transplants in the U.S. have resulted in donor-derived infections, according to a major review. Of these, parasitic infections—especially those caused by Strongyloides—account for a significant portion, but the overall numbers remain very low.Historically, fewer than one in four U.S. organ procurement organizations regularly screened for Strongyloides. However, as awareness of these risks has grown, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network in 2023 called for universal testing for this parasite in all donors.The discovery at MassGen prompted a nationwide alert to other centers that had received organs from the same donor. At Albany Medical Center, a 66-year-old man who had received the other kidney was experiencing fatigue, low white blood cell counts, and worsening kidney function. Armed with the new information, his doctors quickly diagnosed and treated the parasitic infection, preventing the severe complications seen in the first patient.Why it is Important to Strengthen Safety Protocols?This unsettling incident underscores the importance of rigorous donor screening, especially when donors have lived in regions where parasitic infections are more prevalent. The case has already prompted policy shifts and reinforced the need for continual vigilance in transplant medicine."Although donor-derived infections are uncommon, when they do occur, they can be catastrophic. We must use every tool available to prevent such outcomes," said Dr. Kotton.These cases have prompted renewed calls for rigorous screening of organ donors, especially those from regions where certain parasites are endemic. While U.S. doctors already avoid using organs from donors with known active infections like tuberculosis, not all infectious agents are routinely tested for, and some, like Strongyloides, can remain dormant and undetectable for years.Universal screening for Strongyloides is now being implemented, but experts caution that vigilance must remain high. Immunosuppressed patients—such as organ transplant recipients—are particularly vulnerable to rare infections, and symptoms can be easily mistaken for other complications like transplant rejection or drug reactions.For patients awaiting transplants, the story may raise unsettling questions, but experts stress that the benefits of organ transplantation far outweigh the risks. The U.S. transplant system has an excellent safety record, and cases like these, while alarming, are extremely rare and now more preventable than ever.Patients can play a role by staying informed, asking about donor screening protocols, and adhering closely to post-transplant care guidelines. As science and medicine evolve, so too does the capability to ensure safer, more effective transplants across the board.

man battles deadly parasites 'crawling in his body' after kidney transplant—a rare risk doctors warn about

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