Supplemented nutrition decreases helminth burden and increases drug efficacy in a natural host–helminth system

Gastrointestinal (GI) helminths are common parasites of humans, wildlife, and livestock, causing chronic infections. In humans poor nutrition or limited resources can compromise an individual's immune response, predisposing them to higher helminth burdens. This relationship has been tested in laboratory models by investigating infection outcomes following reductions specific nutrients. However, much less is known about how diet supplementation impact susceptibility infection, acquisition immunity, drug efficacy natural host–helminth systems. We experimentally supplemented the wood mice ( Apodemus sylvaticus ) with high-quality measured resistance GI nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus . To test whether enhance immunity reinfection, we also administered anthelmintic treatment both captive populations. Supplemented were more resistant H. cleared worms efficiently after treatment, avoided a post-treatment rebound, produced stronger general parasite-specific antibody responses, maintained better body condition. addition, when applied conjunction significantly reduced transmission potential. These results show rapid extensive benefits well-balanced have important implications for disease control wildlife health under changing environmental conditions.