The gut microbiota mediates depression-like behaviors in mice with chronic Echinococcus multilocularis infection

Feb 5, 2026NPJ biofilms and microbiomes

Gut bacteria linked to depression-like behavior in mice with long-term parasitic infection

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Abstract

Chronically infected mice showed pronounced and significant alterations in gut microbiota.

  • Chronic infection with Echinococcus multilocularis led to behavioral changes indicative of depression.
  • Hippocampal neuronal nuclear membrane atrophy and disrupted microglial homeostasis were observed in infected mice.
  • Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, particularly IL-6 and MCP-1, were detected in both peripheral and central inflammatory profiles.
  • Fecal microbiota transplantation from infected donors induced similar depression-like behaviors in recipient mice.
  • A marked reduction in Lactobacillus abundance was noted in infected mice, correlating with decreased metabolites in the tryptophan/5-hydroxytryptamine metabolic pathway.
  • These findings suggest that chronic E. multilocularis infection may be associated with behavioral abnormalities through .

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Key numbers

significantly reduced
Sucrose Preference Reduction
Infected mice showed lower sucrose preference compared to controls.
significantly increased
Increased Immobility Time
Infected mice displayed longer immobility in the tail suspension test.
reduced
Lactobacillus Abundance Decrease
Infected mice had lower Lactobacillus levels compared to controls.

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