Helminth induced monocytosis conveys protection from respiratory syncytial virus infection in mice

Helminth Coinfections Modulate Disease Dynamics and Vaccination Success in the Era of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Background/Objectives: Helminth infections, particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, have been extensively studied for their effects on human health. With the emergence of new infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola, their impact on disease outcomes become more apparent. While individual studies have explored the impact of helminth co-infections on disease severity and vaccine efficacy, the findings are often inconsistent and context-dependent. Furthermore, the long-term effects of helminth-mediated immunosuppression on vaccine efficacy and its broader implications for co-infections in endemic regions remain not fully understood. Methods: This systematic review conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines synthesizes the current evidence, identifies patterns, and highlights areas needing further research, offering a cohesive understanding of the topic. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched to include studies published from 2003 to February 2025. Results: Co-infection reveals a dual role of helminths in modulating immune responses, with both beneficial and detrimental interactions reported across studies. It may confer benefits against respiratory viral infections by muting hyper-inflammation associated with the severity of conditions like COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV. However, they can exacerbate disease outcomes in most bacteria and blood-borne viral conditions by impairing immune functions, such as neutrophil recruitment and antibody response, leading to more severe infections and higher viral loads. The stage of helminth infection also appears critical, with early-stage infections sometimes offering protection, while late-stage infections may worsen disease outcomes. Helminth infection can also negatively impact vaccine efficacy by suppressing B cell activity, reducing antibody levels, and decreasing vaccine effectiveness against infectious diseases. This immunosuppressive effect may persist after deworming, complicating efforts to restore vaccine efficacy. Maternal helminth infections also significantly influence neonatal immunity, affecting newborn vaccine responses. Conclusions: There is a need for targeted interventions and further research in helminth-endemic regions to mitigate the adverse effects on vaccine efficacy and improve public health outcomes.