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Studying Inherited Immunity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Microsporidia Infection
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Microsporidia - Emergent Pathogens in the Global Food Chain.
G D Stentiford1, -J J Becnel2, L M Weiss3
1Pathology and Molecular Systematics Team, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
Trends in Parasitology
|January 23, 2016
Summary
Microsporidia parasites are increasingly prevalent in food animals and humans, posing risks to the food chain. Factors like intensive farming and climate change may worsen transmission and disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Ecology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Intensified food production can increase disease in food animals and plants.
- Microsporidia are widespread parasites affecting diverse animal hosts, including those in managed ecosystems crucial for the food chain.
- Environmental changes and intensive farming practices may promote parasite transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the increasing prevalence of microsporidiosis in animals and humans.
- To understand the role of environmental and agricultural factors in microsporidian disease dynamics.
- To evaluate the potential for pathogen sharing across different hosts and environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on microsporidiosis in animal and human populations.
- Analysis of factors contributing to host susceptibility, such as immune deficiency and stress.
- Examination of ecological and climate-related drivers of parasite transmission.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a growing prevalence of microsporidiosis in both animal and human populations.
- Highly managed hosts, vulnerable to epizootics, are frequently infected.
- Stressed or immune-deficient hosts are more susceptible to microsporidian infections.
Conclusions:
- Microsporidiosis is an emerging concern in food production systems and public health.
- Increased disease prevalence is linked to intensive agriculture, climate change, and a growing immunocompromised population.
- Pathogen exchange between animal and human populations, and across biomes, is a significant risk.
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