Microbiome Alterations Driven by <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> Infection in Two Disjunctive Murine Models
Sergio Castañeda, Marina Muñoz, Peter J. Hotez, María Elena Bottazzi, Alberto Paniz‐Mondolfi, Kathryn M. Jones, Rojelio Mejía, Cristina Poveda, Juan David Ramírez
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, presenting acute and chronic phases where cardiomyopathy, megaesophagus, and/or megacolon stand out. During the course of its life cycle, the parasite has an important gastrointestinal tract transit that leads to severe forms of CD. The intestinal microbiome plays an essential role in the immunological, physiological, and metabolic homeostasis of the host. Therefore, parasite-host-intestinal microbiome interactions may provide information on certain biological and pathophysiological aspects related to CD. The present study proposes a comprehensive evaluation of the potential effects of this interaction based on metagenomic and immunological data from two mice models with different genetic, immunological, and microbiome backgrounds. Our findings suggest that there are alterations in the immune and microbiome profiles that affect several metabolic pathways that can potentially promote the infection's establishment, progression, and persistence. In addition, this information may prove essential in the research of new prophylactic and therapeutic alternatives for CD.