Parasites modulate the gut-microbiome in insects: A proof-of-concept study.

ABSTRACT: Host-parasite interactions may be modulated by host- or parasite-associated microbes, but the role of these are often overlooked. Particularly for parasites with intestinal stages (either larval or adult), the host gut microbiome may play a key role for parasite establishment; moreover, the microbiome may change in response to invading parasites. Hypothesis testing at the organismal level may be hampered, particularly in mammalian definitive hosts, by ethical, logistical, and economical restrictions. Thus, invertebrates naturally serving as intermediate hosts to parasites with complex life cycles may inform the development of mammalian models as an early-stage host-parasite model. In addition, several important pathogens are vectored by insects, and insect gut microbiome-pathogen interacti

SUBMITTER: Fredensborg BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6959588 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature