Virus, Parasite May Combine to Increase Harm to Humans

Leishmania is a parasite which is spread most commonly by sand fly bites and effects 12 million people world wide. The parasite causes fever, skin lesions, swelling of the spleen and liver and occasionally disfigurement and death. To make matters worse some forms of Leishmania have shown an increase in pathogenicity due to a viral infection of the parasite. The article stated that most viral infections of parasites decreases the effectiveness of their host, but in this particular situation the virus seems to increase the ability of Leishmania to infect the mammalian host's white blood cells. The article also stated that this was the first virus infected parasite that has show an increase in its ability to effect its host. The research team is hopeful though, saying that "It could teach us a great deal about how Leishmania causes a severe form of the disease and potentially offer new opportunities for its cure."

I found interest in this article due to the fact that multiple organisms found a way of co-habitation and in turn were made more potent than when they were on a individual level. Also the idea of something that seemed to be a frightening turn of events turned out to be a situation that allowed for more insight to be obtained on the parasite and there by a cure.

References: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210141221.htm