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Fulltext Parasite-associated microbiomes in Ascaris and Trichuris nematodes: current evidence, challenges, and future directions

Shahrizal S, Aazmi MS, Lim YAL, Muslim A

mSystems, 2026 Oct 20;11(10):e0056926.
PMID: 42775881 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00569-26

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) parasites, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, co-exist and co-evolve with a complex human microbiota within the gut ecosystem. Most research has focused on how parasitic nematodes affect the host gut microbial structure and its consequences. In contrast, studies on the parasites' own associated microbiota remain underexplored. Understanding this gap is crucial, as it adds another layer of complexity to holobiont-holobiont interactions. Driven by the Parasite Microbiome Project, this review summarizes current evidence on Ascaris- and Trichuris-associated microbiomes from both natural and experimental studies, with a focus on their compositions, potential functional roles, challenges, and future directions. Existing findings are largely based on microbiomes associated with the gut of the parasites and are often characterized by transient, host-derived communities acquired through horizontal transmission, which may contribute to parasite survival and host interaction. We therefore emphasize the need to expand investigations to other specific tissues, particularly reproductive organs, as potential sites of a stable and conserved microbiota in STH parasites. Understanding this aspect is essential for advancing our knowledge of parasite-microbiome-host interactions in STH infections and may uncover the potential of microbiome-based therapeutic interventions for STH control and prevention.
Blastocystis colonization among inland and forest periphery Negritos in Malaysia: The crucial role of sanitation and hygiene practices

Rozani NS, Aazmi MS, Attah AO, Termizi FHM, Shahrizal S, Idorus MY, et al.

Parasitol Int, 2025 Apr 06.
PMID: 40199419 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103075

There has been an increasing trend in the study of Blastocystis due to its ubiquitous nature, and potential impact on human health. In Malaysia, its prevalence among the undeserved indigenous Orang Asli (OA) population varies widely from 1.7 %- 80.0 %. These huge differences were suggested to be attributed to disparities in living standards, including sanitation and access to treated water status. We investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and subtypes of Blastocystis among the OA Negritos residing in forest periphery villages and the inland jungle settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 259 participants and their stool samples were screened microscopically for intestinal parasites and molecular techniques for Blastocystis. Risk factors including the type of village category and Blastocystis subtypes were identified. Of the 259 participants, 40 (15.4 %) were found to be colonized with Blastocystis. Prevalence was higher in the inland (17/81; 21.0 %) than in forest periphery villages (23/178; 12.9 %), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.096). Among the 40 positive individuals, 31 (77.5 %) were co-infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Multivariate analysis identified the unavailability of a household latrine (P 
Fulltext Cross-sectional study of influenza trends and costs in Malaysia between 2016 and 2018

Wan Puteh SE, Aazmi MS, Aziz MN, Kamarudin N', Sam JI, Thayan R, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(3):e0301068.
PMID: 38517867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301068

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While influenza circulates year-round in Malaysia, research data on its incidence is scarce. Yet, this information is vital to the improvement of public health through evidence-based policies. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the trends and financial costs of influenza.
METHODS: Data for the years 2016 through 2018 were gathered retrospectively from several sources. These were existing Ministry of Health (MOH) influenza sentinel sites data, two teaching hospitals, and two private medical institutions in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Expert consensus determined the final estimates of burden for laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Economic burden was estimated separately using secondary data supplemented by MOH casemix costing.
RESULTS: Altogether, data for 11,652 cases of ILI and 5,764 cases of SARI were extracted. The influenza B subtype was found to be predominant in 2016, while influenza A was more prevalent in 2017 and 2018. The distribution timeline revealed that the highest frequency of cases occurred in March and April of all three years. The costs of influenza amounted to MYR 310.9 million over the full three-year period.
CONCLUSIONS: The study provides valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of influenza in Malaysia. The findings reveal a consistent year-round presence of influenza with irregular seasonal peaks, including a notable influenza A epidemic in 2017 and consistent surges in influenza B incidence during March across three years. These findings underscore the significance of continuous monitoring influenza subtypes for informed healthcare strategies as well as advocate for the integration of influenza vaccination into Malaysia's national immunization program, enhancing overall pandemic preparedness.

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