Abstract
BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthiases are important neglected tropical diseases that result in a notably high number of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Characterizing the interactions between the human intestinal microbiome and helminths is of interest in the development of alternative treatments that do not rely on chemotherapeutics and do not lead to drug resistance.MethodsWe recruited and obtained fecal samples from 32 pairs of mothers and children on Pemba Island and monitored their intestinal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsWe observed that microbial changes occur in the gut microbiota of infected mothers and children. Some short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and carbohydrate-degrading bacteria exhibited lower abundance in the infected individuals. Potentially pathogenic Campylobacter and proinflammatory Methanobrevibacter in infected mothers and opportunistic Enterococcus in infected children exhibited greater abundance.ConclusionsOur findings could reveal the microbiota profiling in T. trichiura-infected individuals, indicate the potential roles of key microbiota in the host and aid to the development of novel strategies to control T. trichiura infection.Graphical
Highlights
Soil-transmitted helminthiases are important neglected tropical diseases that result in a notably high number of disability-adjusted life years worldwide
Twenty (12 mothers and 8 children) samples were positive for helminth infection, and 44 (20 mothers and 24 children) samples were negative for helminth infection
This study showed that T. trichiura infection was associated with changes in overall gut microbial composition in both mothers and children
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminthiases are important neglected tropical diseases that result in a notably high number of disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Characterizing the interactions between the human intestinal microbiome and helminths is of interest in the development of alternative treatments that do not rely on chemotherapeutics and do not lead to drug resistance. Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are among the most widespread neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia and the Americas. Chronic STHs can lead to anemia, malnutrition, asthenia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stunted growth, and cognitive and developmental impairment [3]. These nematodes penetrate the intestinal mucosa, jeopardize the intestinal epithelium and disrupt gut homeostasis [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
