How the gut parasitome affects human health.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Parasitology

Background:

• The human gut microbiome (GM) is a complex ecosystem comprising prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
• GM composition significantly impacts host physiological functions, notably immune development.
• Emerging evidence indicates that non-bacterial microbiota, including protozoa and helminths, may have commensal or beneficial roles, challenging their traditional pathogen classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent omics data on prokaryota-meiofauna-host interactions.
• To investigate the influence of the gut parasitome on gut bacterial ecology.
• To explore the role of gut parasites as 'immunological drivers' in health and disease for novel therapeutic insights.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent omics studies.
• Analysis of host-microbe interactions.
• Examination of ecological and immunological roles of gut parasites.

Main Results:

• Non-bacterial gut inhabitants, previously viewed as pathogens, can exhibit commensal or beneficial relationships.
• Gut parasites (parasitome) impact gut bacterial ecology.
• Gut parasites function as 'immunological drivers' influencing host health and disease.

Conclusions:

• The gut parasitome plays a significant role in modulating the gut microbiome and host immunity.
• Understanding these interactions opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
• Re-evaluating the role of non-bacterial microbiota is crucial for advancing human health.