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Helminth-host-environment interactions: Looking down from the tip of the iceberg
1Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, QuebecH9X 3V9, Canada.
Journal of Helminthology
|July 24, 2023
Summary
Helminth parasites can regulate host populations, but their interactions are complex and context-dependent. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting environmental change impacts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Parasitology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- The theory of helminth parasites regulating host population abundance was established in 1978.
- Recent research has revealed a wide array of factors influencing host-helminth interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the host-helminth interaction from the perspectives of the helminth, host, and environment.
- To explore factors affecting helminths and the implications for host populations, communities, and the environment.
- To assess the impact of human-induced environmental change on host-helminth dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review, focusing on publications from the past 5 years.
- Analysis of biotic, abiotic, social, and intrinsic host factors.
- Examination of ecological and environmental implications.
Main Results:
- Host-helminth interactions are highly context-specific, with limited ability to generalize.
- Understanding of complex, multi-level interactions remains limited.
- Co-evolved host-helminth dynamics may offer resilience against global environmental change.
Conclusions:
- Context is paramount in understanding host-helminth interactions.
- Further interdisciplinary research is needed to develop testable conceptual frameworks.
- Applying a One Health approach to helminth systems is essential for a holistic understanding.
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