Latest news with #Chlamydia
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Two common infections may trigger Alzheimer's, scientists warn – are you at risk?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCIENTISTS have spent decades trying to understand what causes dementia. Is it alcohol? Obesity? Or are some of us simply genetically predisposed? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Two common infections may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's Credit: Getty The evidence is mixed - though experts generally agree that there are several factors involved in the abnormal build-up of proteins called amyloid and tau, which are what cause symptoms. A new review by Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania, suggests two common infections may play a role. Researchers found both chlamydia pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 increase the levels of substances in the brain called cytokines. These trigger inflammation, which can "harm brain cells and may help speed up the buildup of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's". Chlamydia pneumoniae is a "very common" type of bacteria that causes lung infections, including pneumonia. It affects about 50 per cent of people by age 20, and 75 per cent by 65, and is passed on by sneezing and coughing, according to Superdrug. It is not the same as the STI chlamydia, though both are highly infectious. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes Covid-19. In 2022, seven in 10 people in England were thought to have been infected. That number is now likely much higher. The report, published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found chlamydia pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 can invade the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier and, "potentially more importantly", the olfactory route, which is responsible for our sense of smell. Common painkiller used for back pain ups risk of dementia by 29%, scientists warn "The olfactory system is lined with a specialised tissue called neuroepithelium that can serve as an entry point for pathogens to the brain," the authors said. "After initial infection, these microbes can travel along the olfactory nerves, ultimately reaching the brain's olfactory bulbs, which are linked to areas of the brain for memory and cognition. "This pathway is particularly relevant given that loss of smell is an early symptom in both Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease." We hope to create new avenues for prevention and treatment Dr Brian J Balin They looked at patients with certain genetic factors known to significantly increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's - the most common form of dementia. This included APOE - a protein which transports fatty molecules like cholesterol to cells in our brain. Everyone carries two copies of APOE, one inherited from each parent. The three most common variants are APOE2, APOE3 and APOE4. Having at least one APOE4 variant is said to double or triple the risk of developing Alzheimer's, and someone with two variants is eight to 12 times more likely to get it, according to Alzheimer's Research UK. About one in 50 people carry two copies of APOE4. Scientists also examined the cytokines IL-6 and CCL2, which are involved in inflammation and immune responses in the body. Those carrying this gene variant appeared to be "more susceptible" to both chlamydia pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2, "potentially amplifying" their risk for developing Alzheimer's. Co-author Dr Brian J Balin, a professor of neuroscience and neuropathology and director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging, said: "These findings bring us one step closer to understanding the complex interactions between infections and Alzheimer's disease. "As we continue to learn more about the role infectious agents play in the development of this disease, we hope to create new avenues for prevention and treatment." What causes Alzheimer's disease? ALZHEIMER'S disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. One of these is amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other is tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells. Unfortunately, it's not known exactly what causes this process to begin. However, scientists suggest that the following factors are known to increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's: Age - the single most significant factor. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years after you reach 65. Family history - the genes you inherit from your parents can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Down's syndrome - the genetic changes that cause Down's syndrome can also cause amyloid plaques to build up in the brain over time. Head injuries - people who have had a severe head injury may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but research is still needed in this area. Lifestyle factors and conditions - smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure are associated with a higher risk. Other factors - research suggests that hearing loss, untreated depression, loneliness or social isolation and a sedentary lifestyle may also play a role. About 980,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. This number is expected to rise to more than 1.4million by 2040. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60 and 80 per cent of all cases. Symptoms often develop slowly over several years and they may not be obvious at first. In the early stages, it can be difficult to tell the difference between memory problems caused by Alzheimer's, and mild forgetfulness that happens as we get older. But memory loss is one of the most common early symptoms, and may include losing memories of recent events, asking the same questions repeatedly, or having difficulty following conversation and learning new information. Patients may go on to regularly forget names and faces, repeat the same behaviours and routines, regularly misplace things, become confused about the date or time of day, feel disorientated in unfamiliar places, have problems finding the right words, or become low in mood, anxious or agitated. As Alzheimer's progresses, it can impact other areas of life, including communication, sleep, movement, senses and day-to-day care. If you are worried that you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's, speak to your GP. While there is no cure, there are treatment options to help manage your symptoms for a time.
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Sex-mad TRNSMT revellers risk catching dangerous STIs like Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia with random festival hook-ups
Health bosses are urging frisky festival goers to wear condoms to avoid TRNSMT'ing anything other than good vibes SEX-MAD TRNSMT revellers are being warned of the increased risk of catching dangerous STIs with random festival hookups. Over 50,000 music fans are expected to descend upon Glasgow Green this weekend for TRNSMT 2025, and as many as a quarter of them could be getting giggy with it in more ways than one. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sex-mad TRNSMT revellers are being warned of the increased risk of STIs Credit: Roddy Scott 2 As many as a quarter of the 50,000 music fans could be lapping up the sun, songs and SEX Credit: Michael Schofield According to a new survey by Lloyds Pharmacy, 25 per cent of concertgoers have gotten down and dirty at a music festival. And over half of the 500 18 to 40-year-olds surveyed said they'd be up for partaking in concert coitus. But health bosses are urging frisky festival goers to wear condoms to avoid TRNSMT'ing anything other than good vibes. Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor sexual health nurse Emma Ostridge, says: "Lots of people attending music festivals may end up having sex while they're there. For those attending, it's important to be smart and think proactively about protecting yourself and your sexual health." This weekend's TRNSMT is expected to see the mercury skyrocket to highs of 27C, but the event could also be a hotbed for sexually transmitted infections like Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Emma adds: "A lot of people at festivals may be having intercourse with people they have met there and may not be familiar with the other person's sexual history. When having sex with a new partner, it's always important to take precautions. "Drinking alcohol at events like music festivals can also impair decision making, leading people to make riskier choices than they might usually and could result in condomless sex with unfamiliar partners. "If you're worried about acquiring an STI while attending a festival, the best thing you can do is wear protection. If you're worried about STIs afterwards, you can order an STI testing kit online or contact your local sexual health practice if you begin to present symptoms." The survey also found that almost 60 per cent of respondents think UK music festivals should be doing more to promote safe sex amongst visitors. Meanwhile, two thirds said that they would like easier access to condoms on festival grounds and 71 per cent said they would support music festivals providing free condoms to visitors. TRNSMT reveller swings toilet seat around her head Emma continued: "Wearing a condom is a great way to protect you from unplanned pregnancy and reduce your risk of acquiring many common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. "While condoms can be a good preventative measure, there are some factors which might make them less effective."
Local France
02-07-2025
- Health
- Local France
France rolls out free at-home test kits for STIs
Cases of sexually transmitted infections in France (known as Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles or IST, in France) have been rising for several years. Public health agency Santé publique France revealed last October that, in 2023, some 55,500 cases of Chlamydia trachomatis were recorded, 23,000 of gonorrhoea, 5,800 of syphilis and 5,500 of HIV. It said the increase was caused by increased circulation of the infections, but also by improved screening, thanks in part to the Mon test IST programme. Advertisement The healthcare scheme, introduced in 2022 in response to a marked increase in cases following the Covid-19 pandemic, allows anyone registered with the French healthcare system to go to a medical testing laboratory and ask for an sexually transmitted infections (STI) test without first going to their GP. No prescription is required and the test is fully reimbursed for anyone aged 26 and under. Tests for over-26s are reimbursed at 60 percent. Now the programme has been enhanced, with free home test kits made available to women aged between 18 and 25. The free home test service will be extended to men in the same age bracket later this year. Why women first, you ask? It's because women are apparently disproportionately affected, and because STIs have debilitating effects on female reproductive health. To order a kit, log on to and complete a short eligibility questionnaire. No bank details are required as the cost of the kit and the test is fully covered. The kit is sent in a plain envelope and delivered to the address of your choice in around seven working days. It comes with clear instructions and a QR code linking to a video tutorial. Patients then take the sample themselves. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. The sample is to be sent to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided. Approximately five working days later, a text message confirms that results are available on the website – along, if necessary, with advice on the next steps for any treatment. Advertisement Florence Thune, Executive Director of HIV charity Sidaction, spoke about this initiative: 'It seems extremely important to be able to take advantage of all screening tools and facilitate access to them. […] It is often difficult, even for older people, to talk to a doctor about STIs. It is important to facilitate access to screening tools.' Cases of chlamydia among women have increased 10 percent in two years. The country is also seeing an increase in cases of gonorrhea.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Critical reason behind unusual sight in Aussie trees: 'Frontline defence'
If you've recently visited a national park in southeast Queensland, you might have spotted some unusual black bands wrapped around certain trees. Far from being a quirky decoration, these bands play a vital role in protecting one of Australia's most iconic and vulnerable animals — the koala. Speaking to Yahoo News, a spokesperson from Queensland's Department of Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation explained the significance of these tree bands at David Fleay Wildlife Park. "[We] put black bands around selected trees to protect the koalas and prevent them from climbing any further," the spokesperson said. "This biosecurity measure is crucial for safeguarding both captive and wild koalas from spreading diseases. It also helps prevent unplanned breeding and injury caused by fighting, which can threaten already fragile populations." Koalas face increasing threats across Australia, including habitat loss, disease, and climate impacts. Protecting the koalas at David Fleay Wildlife Park means ensuring these precious animals stay safe, healthy, and contained — a small but vital piece of the broader effort to conserve koalas wherever they still survive. Park ranger Sarah elaborated further. "These tree guards aren't just about keeping animals in or out," she said. "They're a frontline defence to protect our koalas from wild populations carrying diseases like Chlamydia, which is unfortunately widespread in southeast Queensland. Preventing contact between healthy captive koalas and sick wild ones helps stop the spread of this debilitating illness." The tree guards work by creating a physical barrier that koalas cannot grip or climb across. Typically made from smooth or slippery materials like plastic or metal, the bands are wrapped tightly around the trunk, making it impossible for koalas to gain traction with their claws. Since koalas rely on rough bark and a strong grip to scale trees, the smooth surface of the guard effectively blocks their ascent or descent. This not only prevents captive koalas from climbing out of their enclosures but also stops wild or potentially diseased koalas from climbing in, helping to maintain a healthy, controlled environment. Major change on Aussie roads to combat ongoing crisis Incredible two-year change on Aussie property amid fight for species Plea to Aussie drivers after tiny find on country road With three koalas living in the park as ambassadors for their species, the black bands help ensure these special residents don't wander beyond their safe enclosure or come into contact with unfamiliar or aggressive koalas. "It's also about preventing them from leaving the enclosure and risking injury or stress," Ranger Sarah explained. The use of black bands is a simple but effective tool employed by wildlife parks and councils across Australia, helping to keep climbing animals like possums and koalas safe, contained, and protected. So next time you see these bands on trees, remember they're more than just markings, they're a vital symbol of the ongoing commitment to protect and preserve our beloved koalas for generations to come. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I jokingly suggested a fungal infection as a baby name to my pregnant sister — and she's using it
An uncle has become the butt of his own joke after his pregnant sister took a list of gag names a little too seriously. It means that one day his niece could Google a fungal infection and find out the hard way that it's also her name. Taking to Reddit, the poster with the username Odd_Age1378 explained the situation. We'll call him Matt. 'The 'ass' smack dab it the middle of it' When his pregnant sister revealed she'd been struggling with finding a name, all Matt wanted to do was help. 'In addition to the $900 wooden crib on her list that I got for her, I gave her a list of (obviously) joke baby names. We have a really close relationship, and it was in line with both our senses of humor,' he explained. 5 An uncle has become the butt of his own joke after his pregnant sister took a list of gag names a little too seriously. Prostock-studio – Both siblings have interests in the medical field. Matt is a biology student, and his sister is a nurse. He wanted to stick to a theme when it came to crafting his list. 'All the names were medications, infections, unpleasant animals. All sound like lovely girls' names out of context. Some of them were a little bit obscure, sure, but I included some obvious ones like 'Viagra' and 'Hernia' for good measure,' he explains. Two weeks later, his sister and her husband landed on a name inspired by his contributions. 'Malassezia. The baby's name is Malassezia,' he bluntly states. (Well, at least it's not the better-known Chlamydia.) 5 'Malassezia. The baby's name is Malassezia,' the uncle said after learning what his sister and her husband named their daughter. kieferpix – I'll save you the Google. According to the University of Adelaide, Malassezia is a form of yeast that naturally lives on human skin. It can contribute to dandruff, atopic eczema, and fungal acne. No wonder Matt has several issues with the name. Firstly, it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. 'Nearly impossible to pronounce on the first try, the 'ass' smack dab it the middle of it, the first syllable being mal-, literally meaning bad or evil,' he listed. 'This should be illegal' 5 Malassezia is a form of yeast that naturally lives on human skin. IgnatiusHarly – But the part that really makes his skin crawl is the fact that he and his sister are particularly familiar with the fungal infection. They've both had it. 'My sister and I are both genetically predisposed to it,' he explained. 'Her daughter will almost certainly catch it at some time!' Matt pointed all of this out to his sister. He insists she knew this was supposed to be a joke, but really likes the sound of Malassezia. He suspects her husband doesn't know what the word means. 5 Malassezia can contribute to dandruff, atopic eczema, and fungal acne. Parkin – 'She says that it's so obscure that no one will ever think twice about it. Except, you know, when little baby Malassezia turns 14, finds a weird spot on her neck, and goes on her phone to search for what it is…' The comment section praised him for pushing his sister to reconsider. 'Malassezia sounds like a Disney villain,' one commenter pointed out. Another advised: 'I'd also make a point of telling her husband what the name means.' 'This should be illegal,' a third added. 5 'She says that it's so obscure that no one will ever think twice about it. Except, you know, when little baby Malassezia turns 14, finds a weird spot on her neck, and goes on her phone to search for what it is,' the man continued. Jasmin Merdan – At a loss for what to do, Matt has attempted to pitch names that sound similar, such as Mallory, Azalea, or Anastasia. She wouldn't hear any of his suggestions. 'She said that since I'm not one of the parents, I have no business telling her what she can and cannot name her child. That I'm stepping way out of line,' he revealed. 'I think it's pregnancy hormones. She'll regret the decision very soon after her daughter is born.'
