The Effect of Helminth Infections and Their Treatment on Metabolic Outcomes: Results of a Cluster-Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background: Helminths may protect against cardiometabolic risk through effects on inflammation and metabolism; their treatment may be detrimental to metabolic outcomes.

Methods: In a cluster-randomized trial in 26 Ugandan fishing communities we investigated effects of community-wide intensive (quarterly single-dose praziquantel, triple-dose albendazole) vs standard (annual single-dose praziquantel, biannual single-dose albendazole) anthelminthic treatment on metabolic outcomes, and observational associations between helminths and metabolic outcomes. The primary outcome, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and secondary outcomes (including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids) were assessed after 4 years' intervention among individuals aged ≥10 years.

Results: We analyzed 1898 participants. Intensive treatment had no effect on HOMA-IR (adjusted geometric mean ratio, 0.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .86-1.07]; P = .42) but resulted in higher mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (2.86 vs 2.60 mmol/L; adjusted mean difference, 0.26 [95% CI, -.03 to .56]; P = .08). Lower LDL-c levels were associated with Schistosoma mansoni (2.37 vs 2.80 mmol/L; -0.25 [95% CI, -.49 to -.02]; P = .04) or Strongyloides (2.34 vs 2.69 mmol/L; -0.32 [95% CI, -.53 to -.12]; P = .003) infection. Schistosoma mansoni was associated with lower total cholesterol (4.24 vs 4.64 mmol/L; -0.25 [95% CI, -.44 to -.07]; P = .01) and moderate to heavy S. mansoni infection with lower triglycerides, LDL-c, and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions: Helminth infections improve lipid profiles and may lower blood pressure. Studies to confirm causality and investigate mechanisms may contribute to understanding the epidemiological transition and suggest new approaches to prevent cardiometabolic disease.

Clinical trials registration: ISRCTN47196031.

Keywords: Schistosoma mansoni; helminths; Africa; cardiovascular disease; diabetes.

Figure 1.

Flowchart of the survey on metabolic outcomes in the Lake Victoria Island Intervention Study on Worms and Allergy-related Diseases cluster-randomized trial. *In 2 villages, the total number of households per village was <70, and therefore all households (41 and 69, respectively) were invited to participate. Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; HOMA-IR, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance.