Recent findings from icddr,b genomics laboratory, published in the prominent Scientific Reports journal (part of the Nature Publishing Group), shed new light on the natural diversity and evolution of CRISPR/Cas system in the bacteriophage viruses that target Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. What is the CRISPR/Cas system? The CRISPR/Cas system has featured
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Can local community participation help provide better healthcare services?
Participation of community members in improving local healthcare institutions is an established approach in addressing healthcare issues in Bangladesh. It has been long been facilitated in this country, in projects varying from sanitation to maternal and child health, clean water and health infrastructure. In order to involve local communities in programme planning and execution, an
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Socioeconomic inequality in under-five mortality persists in rural Bangladesh
It is estimated that nearly six million children worldwide will die before reaching their fifth birthday. This is in spite of the global concerted efforts of governments, civil societies and international organisations to reduce child mortality through the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Nevertheless, concern regarding equitable progress was raised by many international bodies
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DNA-based diagnosis can help overcome barriers to kala-azar elimination
Despite global commitments to eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), they continue to cause widespread death and suffering in vulnerable communities across the world. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is a vector-borne NTD caused by Leishmania parasites. VL kills over 20,000 people a year and predominantly affects countries in the Indian subcontinent – 60%
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Living in the era of Superbugs: Curse and Remedy
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development for which the environment is recognised as an important actor. It is estimated that the annual AMR attributed death toll will reach 10 million by 2050. Poultry is a key driver of AMR in its transmission between the outdoor
