Potential of Postbiotics as Antiparasitic Agents

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are considered a significant public health concern with widespread global prevalence. The pathological processes arising from these infections contribute to numerous public health challenges, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Prevention and management primarily rely on the administration of anthelmintic and antiprotozoal drugs; however, the growing prevalence of drug resistance poses a major obstacle to the complete eradication of parasitic infections in both humans and livestock. This highlights the need for exploring alternative strategies. The use of beneficial microorganisms, particularly probiotics and their metabolites (known as postbiotics), has gained significant interest due to their potential prophylactic benefits against various diseases, including parasitic infections. Recent research on the interactions between postbiotics, parasites, and host immune cells through both animal models and in vitro culture systems has seen substantial growth. Postbiotics exert antiparasitic effects through multiple mechanisms, including disruption of parasite membrane integrity, inhibition of key metabolic enzymes, induction of oxidative stress, interference with attachment and invasion, modulation of host immune responses, and alteration of the intestinal microenvironment to hinder parasite survival. This review will focus on the effects of postbiotics and their mechanisms of action against helminths and protozoan parasites, both of which are relevant to gastrointestinal health.