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Title
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Microscopic Parasites, Macroscopic Consequences
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Description
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Just 100 microliters of fluid - one-tenth of a milliliter - can harbor dozens of microscopic organisms, from free-living rotifers to parasitic flatworms. Pictured here is Schistosoma mansoni, a blood-dwelling parasitic worm responsible for intestinal schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions worldwide. Infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, and blood in the stool, while chronic disease may lead to liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Despite their microscopic size, these parasites exert profound effects on human health. The Fairfax Lab within the Department of Pathology investigates how helminth infections like S. mansoni alter the transfer of maternal immunity from mother to child, potentially shaping immune responses early in life. The lab also studies how parasitic infection influences metabolism, including changes in weight gain and the accumulation of body fat. By examining these host–parasite interactions, this research aims to better understand how tiny organisms can have lasting, system-wide consequences for human health. (Submitted by Rob Gabriele, from the Keke Fairfax Lab. M&I Division, Department of Pathology)
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Date
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2026-01-10
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Creator
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Gabriele, Rob
