Publications by authors named "Alejandra M Peter Ventura"

is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of the phylum Alveolata (subphylum Apicomplexa) which has not been studied extensively in a biochemical context. is a primary cause of reproductive disorders causing mummification and abortion not only in cattle but also in other small ruminant species resulting in a substantial economic impact on the livestock industry. In canids, which are the final hosts of , clinical disease includes neuromuscular symptoms, ataxia, and ascending paralysis.

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Understanding drug penetration, distribution, and metabolization is fundamental for understanding drug efficacy. This also accounts for parasites during antiparasitic treatment. Recently, we established matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) in blood flukes and liver flukes.

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Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and causes severe morbidity in infected patients. In 2018, 290.8 million people required treatment, and 200,000 deaths are reported per year.

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The parasitic disease schistosomiasis is the cause of more than 200 000 human deaths per year. Although the disease is treatable, there is one major shortcoming: praziquantel has been the only drug used to combat these parasites since 1977. The risk of the emergence of resistant schistosomes is known to be increasing, as a reduced sensitivity of these parasites toward praziquantel has been observed.

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Chemotherapy based on repeated doses of praziquantel remains the most effective control strategy against schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma spp. Its long-term use, however, raises serious concerns about drug resistance against praziquantel. Therefore, it is generally acknowledged that alternative treatment options are urgently needed.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Alejandra M Peter Ventura"

  • - Alejandra M Peter Ventura's recent research primarily focuses on the development and analysis of new therapeutic strategies against various parasitic infections, notably schistosomiasis and related diseases caused by protozoan and helminthic parasites.
  • - The studies employ advanced techniques such as atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging to investigate drug distribution and efficacy, highlighting the importance of understanding drug penetration in parasitic treatments.
  • - Ventura's work also emphasizes the urgent need for new antiparasitic compounds due to the increasing risk of drug resistance, particularly concerning praziquantel, the primary treatment for schistosomiasis, thereby advocating for the synthesis of novel derivatives with enhanced therapeutic activity.