Colonization by the benign tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, has been associated with a reduction in intestinal inflammation and changes in bacterial microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in the tapeworm anti-inflammatory effect is not yet clear, and the aim of this study was to determine whether disruption of the microflora during worm colonization can affect the course of intestinal inflammation. We added a phase for disrupting the intestinal microbiota using antibiotics to the experimental design for which we previously demonstrated the protective effect of H. diminuta. We monitored the immunological markers, clinical parameters, bacterial microbiota, and histological changes in the colon of rats. After a combination of colonization, antibiotics, and colitis induction, we had four differently affected experimental groups. We observed a different course of the immune response in each group, but no protective effect was found. Rats treated with colonization and antibiotics showed a strong induction of the Th2 response as well as a significant change in microbial diversity. The microbial results also revealed differences in the richness and abundance of some bacterial taxa, influenced by various factors. Our data suggest that interactions between the tapeworm and bacteria may have a major impact on its protective effect.

Biology Centre Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Parasitology Branišovská 31 370 05 České Budějovice Czech Republic

Department of Botany University of British Columbia 3156 6270 University Blvd Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada

Department of Medical Biology Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia Branišovská 31 370 05 České Budějovice Czech Republic

Department of Pathology and Parasitology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackého tř 1 3 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Institute of Vertebrate Biology Czech Academy of Sciences Květná 8603 65 Brno Czech Republic

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