Helminth Parasites and Gut Microbiota in Marine Fish: A Comprehensive Review
Fatimah S. Alharbi *
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Department of Biology, University of Taif, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Nesreen H. Aljahdali
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Stem Cells Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Amaal Hassan
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A fish's gut contains many types of bacteria that are important for digestion, food absorption, and immunity. Marine parasites, such as trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes, affect the gut microbiota and cause histopathological alterations in marine fish. However, the gut microbiota and helminth parasites share a habitat. There are several mechanisms of interactions between microbiota and parasites in the gut, such as physical changes to the gastrointestinal microbial environment and innate immunity. So, managing fisheries and improving fish health depend on understanding these consequences. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms as well as their larger implications.
Keywords: Marine fish, marine, helminth parasites, histopathology, gut microbiota