Helminth Microbiomes - A Hidden Treasure Trove?

T P Jenkins; P J Brindley; R B Gasser; C Cantacessi

doi:10.1016/j.pt.2018.10.007

Helminth Microbiomes - A Hidden Treasure Trove?

Trends Parasitol. 2019 Jan;35(1):13-22. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.10.007. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Authors

T P Jenkins¹, P J Brindley², R B Gasser³, C Cantacessi⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK.
² Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, 20037, USA.
³ Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
⁴ Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK. Electronic address: cc779@cam.ac.uk.

PMID: 30503365
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.10.007

Abstract

There is increasing attention on the complex interactions occurring between gastrointestinal parasitic helminths and the microbial flora (microbiota) inhabiting the host gut. However, little is known about the occurrence, structure, and function of microbial populations residing within parasite organs and tissues. In this article, we argue that an in-depth understanding of the interplay between parasites and their microbiomes may significantly enhance current knowledge of parasite biology and physiology, and may lead to the discovery of entirely novel, anthelmintic-independent interventions against parasites and parasitic diseases.

Keywords: helminth; host–parasite interactions; macrobiota; microbiota; nematode.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
Helminthiasis / microbiology*
Helminths / microbiology*
Host-Parasite Interactions*
Humans
Microbiota / physiology

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding