“Mini-guts” show how parasites infect and how probiotics can help fight them

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“The biggest challenge is drug resistance — parasites are outsmarting all available treatments. The opportunity is innovation of the organoid models give us new tools to discover treatments and foster collaboration across medicine, veterinary science, and environmental health”, says Eva Tydén.)

Eva Tydén is a researcher at the Department of Animal Biosciences (HBIO) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. She shares her research on an interesting new project within comparative medicine and One Health.

Could you provide a brief overview of your project – what are the main objectives and expected outcomes?

“We are developing a new way to study parasitic worms that threaten both animals and humans. Instead of relying only on live animal experiments, we are building “mini-guts” in the lab — tiny organ-like models made from intestinal cells. These models allow us to study the interaction of intestinal cells and parasite  invasion. In addition other approaches can be studied such as how probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can help the host defend itself.”

“Our goal is to understand host-parasite interaction to find new future ways to treat parasite infections. For example, discover probiotic strains that strengthen the gut’s defenses and reduce the need for drugs, which parasites are increasingly becoming resistant to. In the long run, this could lead to sustainable feed supplements and new strategies to protect the health of animals, people, and food production systems.”

How does the research relate to the One Health concept?

“This research is a clear example of the One Health approach by studying parasites in a controlled organoid system, we can learn more about how infections start, how resistance develops, and how to stop it in ways that benefit both veterinary and human medicine. At the same time, reducing drug use lessens environmental contamination, creating healthier ecosystems.

What do you consider the key challenges and opportunities in your research area in relation to comparative medicine and One Health?

“One of the biggest challenges is the rapid rise of drug-resistant parasites. In horses, for example, some roundworms are now resistant to every available treatment. In livestock, resistance threatens farming and food security, while in humans, billions already live with parasitic infections. And because very few new drugs have been developed in the last 30 years, we are running out of options.”

“The exciting opportunity lies in innovation. By using organoid models, we can study host–parasite interactions in detail, without relying solely on animal trials. This opens doors to discovering new treatments, vaccines, and even probiotic-based solutions.”