C. elegans model for infection studies

C. elegans, a tiny transparent roundworm, is used in infection research because it shares many biological pathways with humans. Researchers expose these worms to pathogens like bacteria or fungi to study how infections occur and how organisms respond. Its simplicity, fast lifecycle, and well-mapped genetics make it a practical model for understanding disease mechanisms, testing treatments, and studying immune responses in a controlled, cost-effective way. While it doesn’t fully replicate human biology, insights gained from C. elegans can guide more complex studies and early drug development efforts.