Giant Naegleria Virus Discovery : Potential Weapon Against Deadly Brain Parasite and Research Boon
New Giant Virus Discovered, Infects Nuisance Parasite
Scientists discovered a new giant virus, called Catovirus naegleriensis (or Naegleria virus), that infects Naegleria, a single-celled organism. This is the first virus found to infect Naegleria, which includes the dangerous human parasite Naegleria fowleri. The researchers studied the structure and how the virus replicates inside its host. Interestingly, the virus seems to have borrowed genes from Naegleria to better interact with it. This discovery provides new tools to study giant viruses and potentially Naegleria fowleri itself.
Scientists Discover First Giant Virus to Infect Deadly Brain Parasite
Giant Naegleria Virus, a recently discovered group, can infect and kill many single-celled organisms. Scientists have found traces of these viruses everywhere, but haven’t been able to study many in detail. This research describes the first giant virus that infects Naegleria, a group that includes the deadly brain parasite Naegleria fowleri.
The researchers figured out how this new virus, named Catovirus naegleriensis (or Naegleriavirus), is built and how it infects Naegleria. Interestingly, the virus borrows some genes from Naegleria to help it interact with its host. This virus seems to be very effective at killing all types of Naegleria, including the harmful N. fowleri.
This discovery gives scientists a new tool to study giant viruses and might also help them learn more about the biology of Naegleria fowleri, the brain parasite.
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