Parasite-associated microbiomes in Ascaris and Trichuris nematodes: current evidence, challenges, and future directions.

Parasite-associated microbiomes in Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura are largely transient, host-derived communities acquired through horizontal transmission, with potential roles in parasite survival.

• Why it matters: Understanding the microbiomes of STH parasites is important because it adds complexity to host-parasite interactions and may influence infection outcomes and control strategies.
• What they did: The review summarizes current evidence from natural and experimental studies on the composition and functions of parasite-associated microbiomes, highlighting the focus on gut communities and the need to investigate reproductive organs.
• The result: Expanding research to specific tissues may reveal stable, conserved microbiota in STH parasites, which could inform microbiome-based therapies for STH infection prevention and control.