An Evolutionary Weakness: Can We Exploit Parasite-Bacteria Symbiosis?

Exploiting the endosymbiotic relationship between some parasites and bacteria may be an exciting therapeutic strategy. The obligate relationship between Wolbachia and nematodes represents a successful model, where the disruption of bacterial metabolism leads to parasite death, although challenges in applying novel drugs remain. Obligate endosymbiosis is rare in protozoa, limiting its broader application. Instead, facultative associations, such as those between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis and Entamoeba spp. and gut bacteria, demonstrate complex effects on parasite virulence and treatment outcomes. Successfully exploiting symbiosis depends on the stability and necessity of the symbiotic relationship, as well as the accessibility of the bacterial partner.