Parasite mimics human proteins to provide 'ready meals' from the gut

(University of East Anglia) Giardia parasites -- responsible for one of the world's most common gastric diseases -- mimic human cell functions to break apart cells in the gut and feed off them.The secret behind giardia's success has eluded scientists for more than 300 years.Researchers found that the parasite produces two types of protein that enable it to cut through layers of protective mucus in the gut, breaking the links that knit cells together to access the nutrients within them.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news