Intestinal worm study highlights role of microbiota

by Anne Crawford

Monash Professor Nicola Harris has for 15 years investigated the intestinal activities of helminths (parasitic worms), making landmark discoveries about them as she did. Her latest paper, published recently in ‘Mucosal Immunology’, showed some surprising interactions between the intestinal microbiota and helminths that could offer a new approach to fighting the parasites and which reinforces the role of the microbiota.

Helminths, immune response and gut microbiota: Prof Nicola Harris featured in The Scientist

The Scientist features Prof Nicola Harris's research on intestinal
parasites in an article,"Return of the Worms"

Professor Nicola Harris works on the complex relationship between our gut microbiome, intestinal parasites - helminths - and our immune system. Her research has been featured in The Scientist.

Catherine Offord writes:

"Increasingly seen as a mediator of human health in its own right, with hypothesized effects on everything from intestinal inflammation and immune development to cancer progression and mental health, the gut microbiome could also be an important piece of a worm’s relationship with its host.

Cracking the code for hookworm infestation

Professor Nicola Harris

Hookworms infect nearly 700 million people in the world, mostly in countries where sanitation is poor, and people often walk barefoot.

The body's immune system is critical to attacking the hookworm, but these parasites are masters of escape and individuals typically remain infected throughout their lifetime, often resulting in death or complications stemming from anemia.

Monash University researchers have uncovered a key way that hookworms evade the immune system – providing new hope in the search for a vaccine.

Finding out about helminths: Professor Nicola Harris

Professor Nicola Harris is a co-organiser of the forthcoming
(8-12 Dec 2019) conference dedicated to helminths

Adapted from Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology

“Helminths are perhaps the most successful parasites on the planet,” says Professor Nicola Harris, co-organizer of the upcoming (8-12 Dec 2019) Keystone Symposia on “Helminths: New insights from immunity to global health.”

Prof Harris says that helminths have co-evolved with humans and still today cause chronic and near-ubiquitous infections amongst populations living in endemic regions without access to adequate sanitation.