| Date | September 4, 2024 |
| Source | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine |
| Summary | Recent research reveals that parasitic nematodes, which infect over a billion people worldwide, harbor viruses that could explain why certain nematodes lead to severe diseases. |
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Recently discovered viruses in parasitic nematodes may alter our understanding of how these parasites induce disease
A study conducted by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) utilized advanced bioinformatics techniques to identify 91 RNA viruses in 28 species of parasitic nematodes, covering 70% of those known to infect humans and animals. While many nematode infections are asymptomatic or mild, some can result in serious, life-altering conditions. Nematode worms are among the most numerous animals on Earth, found across all continents and affecting humans as well as important agricultural and economic animals and crops. Despite their prevalence, the mechanisms by which some nematodes cause disease remain unclear.
Published in Nature Microbiology, this research opens the door to investigating whether these newly discovered viruses—of which only five were previously known—might contribute to chronic, debilitating diseases. Proving such a link could lead to more effective treatments in the future.
Mark Taylor, Professor of Parasitology at LSTM, noted: “This discovery is groundbreaking and could transform our understanding of parasitic nematode infections. RNA viruses are known disease agents, and their presence in these worms might spread through the body, causing immune responses.”
These parasitic nematodes can cause severe abdominal issues, diarrhea, stunted growth, anemia, and more. Filariasis, for example, can result in debilitating conditions like lymphoedema (elephantiasis) and river blindness.
The study suggests that some of these viruses might be involved in diseases associated with parasitic nematodes. For instance, a rhabdovirus, which is similar to the virus causing rabies, was found in nematodes responsible for onchocerciasis. This could potentially explain neurological symptoms observed in Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy (OAE) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The full scope and impact of these viruses, as well as their role in nematode biology and disease, require further investigation. The discovery was led by Dr. Shannon Quek, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at LSTM, who initially explored similar methods for studying viruses in mosquitoes before turning to nematodes.
Dr. Quek, originally from Indonesia, highlighted her motivation: “Growing up with many parasitic nematode infections and experiencing dengue firsthand fueled my interest in tropical diseases. Understanding these parasites’ interactions with viruses could significantly enhance our research and therapeutic strategies.”
The study received support from various organizations, including the Marine Biotechnology Program, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and Sungkyunkwan University.
FAQ:
1. What are nematodes?
Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are a diverse group of worms that belong to the phylum Nematoda. They are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies that are usually tapered at both ends. Nematodes are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and within the bodies of plants and animals.
2. How common are nematodes?
Nematodes are incredibly common and are among the most numerous animals on Earth. They inhabit nearly every ecosystem, from marine and freshwater environments to terrestrial soils. They play important roles in ecosystems, including nutrient recycling and soil aeration.