Table 1 Various mechanisms adopted by parasites and its consequences on gut ecology
From: Impact of parasitic infection on human gut ecology and immune regulations
Mechanism adopted by parasites | Consequences | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Helminthes and protozoa can increase the mucus production | Enhance mucolytic bacterial production | T. suis, Eimeria |
Change in mucus composition | Decreased bacterial attachment to gut epithelium | Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, T. gondii |
Secrete a variety of excretory-secretory products, including immunomodulatory proteins, glycoproteins, and microRNAs | Influence the function of various cell types, including regulatory immune cells | Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura |
Long-term changes in commensal microorganisms | Facilitating bacterial invasiveness in the gut mucosa during the post-clearance process | G. intestinalis |
Pose a great threat to the composition of gut microbiota | May compete with gut microbes for nutrients | Schistosoma mansoni, Necator americanus, Fasciola hepatica |