Trichuris muris as a tool for holistic discovery research: from translational research to environmental bio-tagging

• DOI: 10.1017/s003118202100069x
• Publication Date: 2021-05-06T06:00:04Z
• Authors: Iris Mair; Kathryn J. Else; Ruth Forman
• Keywords: Trichuris; Trichuriasis

Trichuris spp. (whipworms) are intestinal nematode parasites which cause chronic infections associated with significant morbidities. muris in a mouse is the most well studied of whipworms and research on this species has been approached from number different disciplines. Research T. laboratory provided vital insights into host–parasite interaction through analyses immune responses to infection, identifying factors underpinning host susceptibility resistance. Laboratory studies have also informed strategies for disease control anthelmintics vaccine research. On contrary, naturally occurring allows analysis co-evolutionary relationships parasite genetic diversity. Furthermore, ecological utilizing aided our knowledge intricate amongst parasite, environment. More recently, wild semi-wild settings combined strengths model organism house complexities context-dependent physiological infection. This review celebrates extraordinarily broad range beneficiaries whipworm research, immunologists parasitologists, epidemiologists, ecologists evolutionary biologists veterinary medical communities.