Parasite-associated microbiomes in Ascaris and Trichuris nematodes: current evidence, challenges, and future directions.
Microbiomes associated with Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura are largely transient, host-derived communities that may influence parasite survival and host interactions.
- Why it matters: Understanding parasite-associated microbiomes is essential to fully grasp the complexity of host-parasite-microbiome interactions and to develop targeted interventions for soil-transmitted helminth infections.
- What they did: The review synthesizes current evidence from natural and experimental studies on the composition, functions, and challenges of microbiomes linked to these parasites, highlighting the need to explore tissues beyond the gut.
- The result: Expanding research to reproductive organs and other tissues could reveal stable, conserved microbiota, opening new avenues for microbiome-based therapies and improved control strategies for STH infections.