Optimizing bioluminescence imaging to study protozoan parasite infections.

Bioluminescence imaging is a non-invasive technique which can be used to monitor infections in real-time. However, its utility is restricted by difficulties in detecting pathogens in deep tissue. 'Red-shifted' luciferases, which emit light of longer wavelength than standard bioluminescence-generating proteins, greatly enhance sensitivity, and have wide applicability for studying parasite infections.