Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025

An Intestinal Gut Organ Culture System for Analyzing Host-Microbiota Interactions
Published on: June 30, 2021
The helminth holobiont: a multidimensional host-parasite-microbiota interaction.
Adnan Hodžić1, Nolwenn M Dheilly2, Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz3
1Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology (DoME), University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Gastrointestinal helminths manipulate host microbiomes for survival. Studying these helminth-associated microbes could reveal new parasite control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Microbiome Research
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
Background:
- Gastrointestinal helminths possess mechanisms to alter host microbiomes, creating survival niches.
- While host immunity and gut microbiota changes during helminth infection are known, the microbial communities within parasites remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of understanding helminth-associated microbiomes.
- To propose that studying these microbial communities can lead to novel anti-parasitic strategies.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review and perspective, synthesizing existing knowledge.
- It emphasizes the need for integrated research into helminth-microbe interactions.
Main Results:
- Helminth-associated microbial communities play a role in parasite biology and host disease.
- Understanding these communities is crucial for developing new control methods.
Conclusions:
- Integrated study of helminth-associated microbiomes is essential.
- This research avenue may yield novel strategies for controlling parasitic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Diversity of Protists I
Symbiosis
Diversity of Protists II
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Microbial Morphologies

