# Biologist Named Parasite That Could Extend Human Life

Various pathogens are capable of influencing human lifespan. In particular, the scientific community is studying the roundworm Acanthocheilonema viteae, whose protein compounds may become the key to active longevity.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this was announced to "Gazeta.Ru" by evolutionary biologist, Professor of City University of Hong Kong Petr Lidsky.

"Infectious diseases are one of the most powerful drivers of evolution. Genes that interact with viral proteins evolve three to six times faster than other sections of the genome. Viruses mutate extremely rapidly, forcing our immune system, receptors and other replication factors to evolve at an incredible speed. It is logical that genes selected by nature to fight infections may also be responsible for other physiological processes, including protection against neurodegeneration," the expert explained.

At the same time, when asked about the possibility of extending human life through the influence of pathogens, the specialist gives an affirmative answer.

"In nature, there are parasites that suppress inflammatory reactions that are harmful to the bodies of elderly people (the roundworm Acanthocheilonema viteae is among them). By reducing the level of inflammation, the parasite is able to decrease mortality risk and increase lifespan. Researchers are now studying the proteins of this organism in detail to create a promising drug," the biologist clarified.

Previously, specialists from the University of California identified mutations in humans, presumably arising as a result of gonorrhea infection, that protect the elderly from cognitive decline and dementia. These genetic changes could have contributed to increased lifespan. Nevertheless, Petr Lidsky emphasizes that human longevity was formed not only under the influence of gonorrhea.

"Our lifespan is approximately twice that of chimpanzees, and there is no reason to consider this a coincidence or a consequence of just a couple of genes working. Therefore, one should not claim that we began to live longer exclusively due to infectious diseases. This was a process of directed evolution, caused by a complex of reasons. Although, of course, one cannot exclude that contact with microbes helped certain beneficial genes become established in the human population," the scientist concluded.