Worm turns light on fatal fungus

Work at Birmingham University could help save thousands of lives in treating a disease caught from a fungus, which particularly affects people suffering from HIV and Aids.

Researchers are examining the life cycle of a microscopic worm and its interaction with the cryptococcus fungus. The fungus can cause disease that is fatal to patients with weakened immune systems, like HIV patients.

It's hoped the work will reduce the risk of infection from the disease which is a major cause of death in patients with immune deficiencies, particularly in the developing world.