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Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
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SCIENTIFIC NOVELTY OF THE EFFECTS OF ASCARIASIS ON THE MUCOSAL
LAYER OF THE SMALL INTESTINE
Solieva Gulchehra Abdurakhmonovna
Assistant Professor of Histology, Cytology and Embryology,
CAMU International Medical University
E-mail:
Annotation:
Ascariasis, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, is a widespread parasitic infection that
primarily affects the small intestine. Recent research has provided new insights into the
pathophysiological mechanisms by which Ascaris damages the intestinal mucosa, including
mechanical injury, inflammatory response, and immunological alterations. This article explores
scientific advancements in understanding how ascariasis contributes to villous atrophy, epithelial
cell damage, and altered gut microbiota. The study highlights the latest findings on host-parasite
interactions and their implications for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Keywords:
Ascariasis, Ascaris lumbricoides, small intestine, mucosal damage, villous atrophy,
inflammation, parasite-host interaction, immune response, gut microbiota, helminth infections.
Introduction.
Ascariasis, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, is one of the most prevalent
helminthic infections, affecting approximately 800 million people worldwide (WHO, 2023). The
parasite primarily colonizes the small intestine, where it damages the mucosal layer, leading to
nutritional deficiencies, impaired digestion, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections.
Recent research has revealed that ascariasis not only causes mechanical injury to the intestinal
lining but also modulates immune responses, alters gut microbiota, and disrupts epithelial barrier
integrity. Advances in histopathological and molecular techniques have provided new insights
into the pathogenesis of mucosal damage, which were previously not well understood.
This article examines the scientific novelty in the study of ascariasis-induced small intestinal
damage, focusing on: Mechanisms of villous atrophy and epithelial injury
Host immune system interactions with the parasite. Changes in gut microbiota composition.
Implications for novel treatment and prevention strategies
Villous atrophy and epithelial disruption. Studies using scanning electron microscopy have
shown severe villous atrophy in infected individuals, leading to reduced nutrient absorption.
Goblet cell hyperplasia and increased mucin secretion indicate an attempt to protect the
epithelium but also contribute to malabsorption syndromes (Smith et al., 2022).
Immune response and chronic inflammation. Ascariasis induces a Th2-dominant immune
response, characterized by elevated levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, leading to eosinophilia and
chronic inflammation. Recent immunological studies suggest that Ascaris suppresses Th1
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responses, reducing resistance to bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori (Chen & Wang,
2023).
Alterations in gut microbiota. Metagenomic sequencing has revealed significant dysbiosis in the
gut microbiota of individuals with chronic ascariasis.
Reduced levels of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and an increase in
opportunistic pathogens have been observed, which may contribute to long-term gastrointestinal
complications (Gómez et al., 2021).
New approaches in diagnosis and treatment. The use of biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin has
been proposed for early detection of mucosal inflammation in ascariasis. Novel anthelmintic
therapies, including plant-derived alkaloids, have shown promising results in reducing Ascaris
burden while preserving gut microbiota balance (Hernández et al., 2023).
Conclusion. Recent advancements in parasitology, immunology, and microbiology have
provided new insights into the mechanisms of mucosal damage caused by ascariasis. The
discovery of immune suppression pathways, gut microbiota alterations, and biomarkers for early
detection represents a significant leap forward in understanding this neglected tropical disease.
Future research should focus on targeted therapies that not only eliminate the parasite but also
restore gut homeostasis. Integrating molecular diagnostics, immunomodulatory treatments, and
probiotics may pave the way for more effective and sustainable control strategies against
ascariasis.
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Smith, J. D., Patel, R., & McCormick, B. (2022). Parasitology Research, 121(5), 845-859.
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Chen, L., & Wang, Y. (2023). Journal of Immunology, 210(3), 402-415.
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215-224.
