Opisthorchiasis and the Microbiome.

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Microbiome Research
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Liver flukes (Opisthorchis viverrini, O. felineus, Clonorchis sinensis) are endemic in East Asia and cause cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
• The impact of opisthorchiasis on host microbiome remains understudied.
• Helminth infections can modulate host inflammation and susceptibility to bacterial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current findings on the influence of liver fluke infections on host microbiome.
• To explore the relationship between opisthorchiasis, microbiome alterations, and biliary diseases like CCA.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on opisthorchiasis and microbiome.
• Analysis of studies using animal models (hamsters) for liver fluke infection.
• Examination of human studies on biliary microbiome composition in infected individuals.

Main Results:

• Opisthorchis viverrini infection perturbs the gastrointestinal microbiome in hamsters, altering bacterial family abundances.
• A complex microbial community, including Helicobacter pylori, associates with liver flukes in the biliary tree.
• Opisthorchis felineus infection increases biliary tract microbial diversity in hamsters and modifies the biliary microbiome in humans.

Conclusions:

• Liver fluke infections significantly alter host microbiome composition in both the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts.
• Microbiome perturbations may play a role in the pathogenesis of liver fluke-associated diseases, including CCA.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking opisthorchiasis, microbiome changes, and cancer development.