Publication Date
2-1-2025
Journal
Future Microbiology
DOI
10.1080/17460913.2024.2431417
PMID
39574234
PMCID
PMC11792847
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
11-22-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Parasitic infections are a major global health challenge, driven in part by complex interactions between parasites, host microbiota, and immune responses. Recent advances in microbiome research highlight the critical role of microbiota in influencing disease outcomes and treatment effectiveness. This review examines how changes in the microbiota impact parasite transmission, disease progression, and responses to treatment, focusing on key parasitic diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and ascariasis. The microbiota can either exacerbate or mitigate disease severity, depending on its composition, providing critical insights for novel therapeutic strategies. Emerging approaches discussed include the use of targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota-modulating drugs to influence parasite dynamics and enhance conventional therapies. The review also explores the potential of integrating microbiota knowledge into vaccine design and immunotherapy, aiming to develop vaccines that elicit stronger immune responses and identify new therapeutic targets. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for translating these findings into effective clinical solutions, with future research focusing on validating microbiota-based interventions in clinical settings. In conclusion, the interaction between microbiota and parasitic infections presents a promising avenue for innovative therapies, with the potential to significantly improve global health outcomes.
Keywords
Humans, Chagas Disease, Leishmaniasis, Animals, Ascariasis, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Microbiota, Host-Parasite Interactions, Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Ramírez, Juan David; Castañeda, Sergio; Weatherhead, Jill; et al., "Parasite-Microbiota Interactions: A Pathway to Innovative Interventions for Chagas Disease, Leishmaniasis, and Ascariasis" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications. 5882.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/5882