Studying the dynamics of bacterial-parasitic gastrointestinal coinfections using Trichuris muris and Clostridioides difficile as model organisms

This study examines coinfections, where a host is infected with two pathogens, a phenomenon affecting approximately one-sixth of the human population and over 800 million people with helminth parasite (worm) coinfections. The varied relationships between pathogens in coinfection—such as competition, coexistence, or collaboration—have not been extensively studied. Using Clostridioides difficile and Trichuris muris as models, the study establishes three coinfection animal models, revealing a coexistence dynamic between C. difficile and T. muris, without worsening of disease. The findings stress the importance of understanding transmission and coinfection dynamics for effective disease prevention and treatment.