Volunteering for BRF

Blastocystis 'hominis' News

March 25, 2011: Research publish complete genome sequence of Blastocystis

March 23, 2011: Culinary herbs common in Southeast Asian cooking inhibit growth of Blastocystis in-vitro

February 12, 2011: Diagnostic methods commonly used in laboratories fail to identify most Blastocystis infections

January 17, 2011: US FDA researchers report on new assay for Blastocystis

November 18, 2010: BRF co-authors study on detection of Blastocystis in samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and IBS

March 4, 2010: Rats infected with Blastocystis exhibit high levels of oxidative stress in a new paper from Parasitology Research

February 10, 2010: Are any of the antiprotozoal drugs really eradicating Blastocystis 'hominis' infection in patients? A recent review: "Eradication of Blastocystis carriage with antimicrobials: reality or delusion?" says they may not be working.

February 9, 2010: Patients with ulcerative colitis are more likely to experience a relapse in illness if they are infected with Blastocystis and other protozoa

January 15, 2010: BRF co-authors the world's first report on subtyping of Blastocystis 'hominis' isolates from Egypt

Older News

NOTE: The correct term is now Blastocystis not Blastocystis 'hominis' as there is no Blastocystis unique to humans.

Volunteering for BRF

Most of BRF's work is done by volunteers. We work with a network of volunteer scientists, physicians, researchers and patients. Since our incorporation, over 100 people have helped BRF with our efforts.

As a volunteer, you'll be working with some of the best minds in infectious disease research in the world. You'll be part of a international scientific effort that will change the way we address infectious diseases today, and for decades to come.

We're pioneering leading edge technologies in infectious disease work, like phylogenetic study of enteric organisms and geo-mapping of research results. A few volunteer opportunities are listed below:

PHP Script authoring and JAVA Application authoring - be part of BRF's information technology effort. We're developing leading edge tools to perform statistical analysis of medical studies and funding practices. Our tools will help agencies develop sound policies to address all diseases, not just blastocystosis.
Physicians: We need physicians in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe to participate in studies of patients with unexplained chronic illness characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, skin rashes, and headaches.
Scientists, Pathologists, Microbiologists, Graduate Students: Be the first one in your organization to try our new immuno-fluorescent stain. Do cutting edge research in the genetics of Blastocystis 'hominis'. Test food and water samples for Blastocystis 'hominis'. We'll get you supplies, and show you how.
Anyone: How does our web site look? What would you like to see on it? Is their an eror or misspellng? Can you find the three mistakes in this paragraph? Let us know.
Technical writers: We need experienced technical writers who are fluent in English to review papers, help with press releases, and proofread our web site.
Layout artists: Help design BRF's mailings!
Gulf War Veterans: Can you organize 20 or 30 veterans with unexplained illness, and a physician to participate in a study?
US Citizens: Write your Representative.
Anyone: If you have an idea for an activity, please let us know.