Conceptions in parasite-microbiota relationships

Elsaftawy, Enas; Wassef, Rita

doi:10.21608/puj.2021.69875.1113

Conceptions in parasite-microbiota relationships

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Enas Elsaftawy ¹
Rita Wassef ²

¹ Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University & Armed Forces College of Medicine

² Departments of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine , Helwan University , Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/puj.2021.69875.1113

Abstract

Abundant information refers to the role of microbiota in maintaining homeostasis by assisting, improving,
and regulating immunity in humans. Yet, the effect exerted by parasitic infections on the developing
microbiota, is so far not recognized. Various parasites were related to specific alterations in the essential
loads of developing microbiota. Additionally, modulation of immune functions was reported. This review
aimed to present examples for the interaction between parasitic infections and microbial gut imbalance
dubbed dysbiosis. This form of parasite-microbiota interaction seems to influence both the metabolism
and the acquired immunity of the host. Consideration of this data will direct future studies to focus on the
altered microbiota during various parasitic infections and to highlight the benefits of its re-enrichment in
the therapeutic trials.

Keywords