ABSTRACT
We explored the impact of chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection on the gut microbiome and microbial activity in a longitudinal study. At baseline (time-point T0), 42 fecal samples from matched individuals (21 positive for strongyloidiasis and 21 negative) were subjected to microbiome 16S-rRNA sequencing. Those positive at T0 (untreated then because of COVID19 lockdowns) were retested one year later (T1). Persistent infection in these individuals indicated chronic strongyloidiasis: they were treated with ivermectin and retested four months later (T2). Fecal samples at T1 and T2 were subjected to 16S-rRNA sequencing and LC-MS/MS to determine microbial diversity and proteomes. No significant alteration of indices of gut microbial diversity was found in chronic strongyloidiasis. However, the Ruminococcus torques group was highly over-represented in chronic infection. Metaproteome data revealed enrichment of Ruminococcus torques mucin-degrader enzymes in infection, possibly influencing the ability of the host to expel parasites. Metaproteomics indicated an increase in carbohydrate metabolism and Bacteroidaceae accounted for this change in chronic infection. STITCH interaction networks explored highly expressed microbial proteins before treatment and short-chain fatty acids involved in the synthesis of acetate. In conclusion, our data indicate that chronic S. stercoralis infection increases Ruminococcus torques group and alters the microbial proteome.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Strongyloides stercoralis , Strongyloidiasis , Humans , Animals , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology , Proteome , Persistent Infection , Longitudinal Studies , Ruminococcus , Chromatography, Liquid , Communicable Disease Control , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Feces/parasitologySubject(s)
HIV Infections/complications , Purpura/pathology , Strongyloidiasis/complications , Strongyloidiasis/pathology , Adult , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Antiparasitic Agents/therapeutic use , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Male , Meropenem/therapeutic use , Strongyloides stercoralis , Strongyloidiasis/parasitologyABSTRACT
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged and rapidly evolved into a current global pandemic. Although bacterial and fungal coinfections have been associated with COVID-19, little is known about parasitic infection. We report a case of a COVID-19 patient who developed disseminated strongyloidiasis following treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and tocilizumab. Screening for Strongyloides infection should be pursued in individuals with COVID-19 who originate from endemic regions before initiating immunosuppressive therapy.