Comment by Heather L on March 29, 2009 at 12:33pm

Hello J.B.

I have read about Helminthic therapy, but don't know if it is being researched for AA. I have a hard time thinking about parasitic worms being used as treatment- creeps me out bad. But who knows! I believe the research is to test the theory that specific helminth are responsible for the low incidence of autoimmune diseases in less developed countries.

From the little I have read I believe two big concerns with this therapy are: insuring the dose of helminth given to patient cannot reproduce and also to control possible transmission to other people.

I am always interested in alternative therapies but don't think this is one I would ever try.

I recently read "The autoimmune Epidemic-Bodies gone haywire in a world out of balance" It was good read and discusses some alternative ideas.

I'd love to hear if you find out any more info about it.

Comment by J.B. on March 29, 2009 at 2:19pm

I am well aware of the risks, and concerns. The reasoning behind this as a therapy is that the worms being used all induce a certain level of immune system suppression. This effect had been endemic throughout the world until the discovery and use of anti-parasitic drugs in the last hundred years or less. This adds up to the human immune system developing over the millenia to be overactive without the influence of these "parasites".

Comment by Heather L on March 29, 2009 at 3:18pm

Hi!
That makes logical sense- I thought it was still just being researched/experimented with, do you know if they are actually using this therapy now for patients?

It seems one of the problems inherent with finding treatments for autoimmune diseases is that it involves systemic immune suppression. Which no pun intended (ok pun intended) can open up a whole new can of worms! :)

Comment by J.B. on March 29, 2009 at 5:22pm

As I know it, it is being researched/used in Mexico, Germany and Thailand. There has been remarkable individual success in treating some autoimmune issues. The studies don't mention AA, however the treatment does, as you say, suppress the immune system, in a limited but completely evolutionarily proven way.

Comment by Craig on April 15, 2011 at 8:05pm

Is there any new news on this? I would definately try it, but the worms cost $3k and cannot be shipped to the US, due to FDA regulations. Anyone want to sponsor me to fly to England and get the treatment? haha...but seriously, I would do it, and report weekly on the results

Comment by Craig on April 19, 2011 at 7:37pm

why do people feel there needs to be further research on this? People have been living with parasites since the beginning of mankind. There actually is quite a bit of studying already though, if you need it. Just research. These worms simply eat/drink a little bit of your blood to survive. Very small amounts. Just keep checking your iron levels and you're fine.

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