Gut microbiota disturbance during helminth infection: can it affect cognition and behaviour of children?

Vanina Guernier, Bradley Brennan, Laith Yakob, Gabriel Milinovich, Archie C.A. Clements, Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)
3 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Bidirectional signalling between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract is regulated at neural, hormonal, and immunological levels. Recent studies have shown that helminth infections can alter the normal gut microbiota. Studies have also shown that the gut microbiota is instrumental in the normal development, maturation and function of the brain. The pathophysiological pathways by which helminth infections contribute to altered cognitive function remain poorly understood. Discussion: We put forward the hypothesis that gastrointestinal infections with parasitic worms, such as helminths, induce an imbalance of the gut-brain axis, which, in turn, can detrimentally manifest in brain development. Factors supporting this hypothesis are: 1) research focusing on intelligence and school performance in school-aged children has shown helminth infections to be associated with cognitive impairment, 2) disturbances in gut microbiota have been shown to be associated with important cognitive developmental effects, and 3) helminth infections have been shown to alter the gut microbiota structure. Evidence on the complex interactions between extrinsic (parasite) and intrinsic (host-derived) factors has been synthesised and discussed. Summary: While evidence in favour of the helminth-gut microbiota-central nervous system hypothesis is circumstantial, it would be unwise to rule it out as a possible mechanism by which gastrointestinal helminth infections induce childhood cognitive morbidity. Further empirical studies are necessary to test an indirect effect of helminth infections on the modulation of mood and behaviour through its effects on the gut microbiota.

Original languageEnglish
Article number58
Number of pages6
JournalBMC Infectious Diseases
Volume17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jan 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 The Author(s).

Keywords

  • Central nervous system
  • Development
  • Gut microbiota
  • Helminths
  • Mental health
  • Microbiota-gut-brain axis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases

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