Journal article
Antagonism between two intestinal parasites in humans: the importance of co-infection for infection risk and recovery dynamics
Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences, Vol.280(1769), pp.20131671-20131671
10/22/2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101581
PMCID: PMC3768312
PMID: 23986108
Abstract
Co-infection may affect transmission and recovery from infection, but remains an understudied element of disease ecology, particularly with regard to antagonism between parasites sharing a host. Helminth and giardia infections are often endemic in the same populations and both occupy the small intestine; yet few studies have examined interactions between these parasites. We report on helminth–giardia co-infections in a panel study of forager–horticulturalists in the Bolivian lowlands. Parasites were identified in faecal samples from 3275 participants, collected during 5235 medical exams over 6 years. Longitudinal co-infection patterns were examined using logistic mixed and multi-state Markov models. The most prevalent infections were hookworm (56%),
Giardia lamblia
(30%) and
Ascaris lumbricoides
(15%). Cross-sectionally, hookworm and
A. lumbricoides
were negatively associated with
G. lamblia
(OR = 0.60; OR = 0.65, respectively). Longitudinally, giardia infection was less likely in helminth-infected individuals (HR: 0.46). Infection with helminths was also less likely for individuals infected with giardia (HR: 0.71). Finally, treatment with mebendazole reduced subsequent hookworm infections, but resulted in a marginal increase in the odds of
G. lamblia
infection. Our results provide evidence for an antagonistic relationship between helminths and giardia, and suggest that co-infection should be considered in disease transmission models and treatment decisions.
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Details
- Title
- Antagonism between two intestinal parasites in humans: the importance of co-infection for infection risk and recovery dynamics
- Creators
- Aaron D Blackwell - University of CaliforniaMelanie Martin - University of CaliforniaHillard Kaplan - Tsimane Health and Life History ProjectMichael Gurven - University of California
- Publication Details
- Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences, Vol.280(1769), pp.20131671-20131671
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology, Department of
- Publisher
- The Royal Society
- Identifiers
- 99900546558801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article