Intestinal parasites are fucking terrifying- but new research suggests some helminths may contribute in positive ways by preventing obesity and keeping pathogenic bacteria in check while interacting in complex ways to improve the host with microbiome interactions.

Obviously this science is Controversial given the horrific nature of parasitism, but it is likely that not all helminths are bad. As a biologist interested in the microbiome the prospect of intestinal parasites cooperating with your flora and coevolving with humans in possible synergistic relationships is fascinating- especially as it pertains to the hygiene hypothesis.

What do /sci anons think?