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Bacteria could be used to fight sleeping sickness

15 February 2012
Bacteria could be used to fight sleeping sickness

Scientists in Belgium have genetically modified commensal bacteria present in the tsetse fly to fight the parasite responsible for sleeping sickness. The scientists modified the bacteria Sodalis glossinidius and altered its genes so it released antibodies against the parasite trypanosome which is responsible for causing African typanosomiasis, sleeping sickness. This disease is prevalent in many regions of Africa and without treatment is fatal. 

BBC News

 

 

 


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