Impact of helminth–microbiome interactions on childhood health and development—A clinical perspective

Abstract

Humans have co-existed with parasites for virtually the entirety of our existence as a species. Today, nearly one third of the human population is infected with at least one helminthic species, most of which reside in the intestinal tract, where they have coevolved alongside the human gut microbiota (GM). Appreciation for the interconnected relationship between helminths and GM has increased in recent years. Here, we review the evidence of how helminths and GM can influence various aspects of childhood development and the onset of paediatric diseases. We discuss the emerging evidence of how many of the changes that parasitic worms inflict on their host is enacted through gut microbes. In this light, we argue that helminth-induced microbiota modifications are of great importance in both facing the global challenge of overcoming parasitic infections, and in replicating helminthic protective effects against inflammatory diseases. We propose that deepening our knowledge of helminth-microbiota interactions will uncover novel, safer and more effective therapeutic strategies in combatting an array of childhood disorders.

The Underrated Gut Microbiota Helminths, Bacteriophages, Fungi, and Archaea

“…In this context, fungal species would be present at a much higher diversity during the first months of life compared with later periods, contrasting bacterial diversity [146]. A similar trend in virome diversity occurs during the first years of life [147,148] in helminths [149] and archaea [150], where they are stabilized later in life. Although changes in abundance and diversity of these non-bacterial microorganisms have been detected during early life, their role in intestinal defense development and as critical factors in developing a healthy adult-like microbiota remains uncharted.…”

The diversity of factors influencing human digestive microbiota in healthy adults and their interaction: A scoping review

“…11 Not only microorganisms from pets but also parasites may alter gut conditions and contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. 77,78 There are many professions developed in contact with animals and or with people with different microbiota composition, such as livestock, veterinary, shing, agriculture, slaughterhouse, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, nursing homes, public transport driver, police, prisons, schools, nurseries, masseuse, aesthetic centers (manicures, pedicures, tattoo artists, hairdressers), research laboratories with animal or biological material, zoos. We have not found any research about the in uence of these kinds of environments on digestive microbiota, but they probably have some role in its variation.…”

Severely Asthmatic Horses Residing in a Mediterranean Climate Shed a Significantly Lower Number of Parasite Eggs Compared to Healthy Farm Mates

“…Nowadays, this hypothesis has gained new momentum, supported by different studies which report the role of the microbiome as a modulator of the hosts’ immune response [ 33 ]. Acute helminth infection is associated with a local innate response and an adaptive Th2-type response, but in chronic stages, these parasites also have the ability to suppress the immune system by increasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and regulatory T cells, which could explain the inverse relationship of these infections with allergies, such as asthma and atopy [ 19 , 34 , 35 ]. Furthermore, it has been proposed that prenatal infection by helminths may decrease the risk of allergic diseases [ 36 , 37 ].…”