The female reproductive tract-gut axis in gastrointestinal parasitic infection

Mucosal barrier sites are specialised interfaces that constantly defend against challenges, from tissue damage to infections. When considering these sites, we typically think of the lungs, gut, mouth or skin. However, a site often overlooked is the female reproductive tract (FRT), an equally dynamic mucosal site uniquely tasked with both immune defence and sustaining new life. The FRT undergoes dramatic tissue remodelling and can return to a homeostatic state without scarring - an ability shared only with the oral mucosa and foetal skin. Given the interconnected nature of mucosal systems, disruption of intestinal homeostasis by enteric or systemic infection has broad impacts on systemic immunity, prompting us to consider how such disturbances could impact the FRT.