The treatment of autoimmune diseases (AD) continues to be a serious problem for modern immunology. Existing methods do not guarantee full recovery, and even do not always allow to successfully monitor the patient’s condition, which encourages doctors to look for new and more effective ways of immunotherapy.
One of the experimental, but rather promising areas of AD treatment is helminth therapy — the deliberate infection of the patient’s body with parasitic worms (helminths) in order to correct the immune system. In this article, we will cover in detail what this type of therapy is and whether it will be a salvation for patients with AD.
1. Is it Dangerous to Infect an Ill Person with Worms?
Over the past couple of decades, parasitology has made a significant breakthrough by developing drugs effective against helminths that previously could be removed only surgically. For example, in the last century wuchereriosis (infection with Wuchereria bancrofti filariae) was perceived almost as a sentence of lifelong disability due to developing lymphostasis. Today, you can freely buy stromectol for humans and say goodbye to this disease within a few days.
In other words, the infection of the patient with helminths is not irreversible — which, in fact, made it possible to consider certain parasites as an actual cure.
In addition, it should be mentioned that most helminths are aimed at long—term residence in the body of the host, but not at killing it in any way – which would inevitably lead to the death of the parasites themselves. This feature of helminths’ vital activity determines the controlled nature of their reproduction (unlike pathogenic viruses) and the relatively moderate harm caused in the medium term to internal organs and metabolic processes.
2. How Exactly Are Parasites Used to Treat AD?
Once in the human body, some types of helminths secrete a special secretory fluid containing specific amino acid compounds that inhibit the immune system — that is, they do what patients with AD need.
It should be noted that the described mechanism is just a working hypothesis and is at the stage of clinical research.
3. What is the Advantage of Helminthic Therapy AD?
The organic origin of the parasitic secretion significantly reduces the risk of side effects, as it happens with immunosuppressant treatment.
In addition, helminths themselves control the daily volume of their own secret, since, as mentioned above, they do not intend to specifically kill their host.
4. What Diseases Do Helminths Help Treat?
To date, the effectiveness of treatment with helminths of lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), asthma, type I diabetes mellitus, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis is being studied.
Stay Informed
Remember that helminthic therapy refers to experimental types of treatment and can only be carried out under strict supervision of a doctor. Independent infection with parasites is unacceptable under any circumstances!
Read Also
- Early Detection and Management of Spinal Disorders
Spinal disorders have silently woven themselves into the fabric of global health concerns, affecting millions with their often insidious onset. The significance of spinal health, therefore, cannot be overstated, as these conditions range from causing mild discomfort to severe disability, often going unnoticed until they significantly impact one’s quality of life. This underscores the critical… Read more: Early Detection and Management of Spinal Disorders - How To Find The Right Alcohol Rehab In New Jersey
The number of binge drinkers in New Jersey has always been high. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, around 14.4% of adults over 18 years are binge drinking monthly. The median number of drinks while binge drinking here is 5.2. However, the good thing is that New Jersey reports the second-lowest number… Read more: How To Find The Right Alcohol Rehab In New Jersey - The Critical Role of Emergency Response Teams in Road Accidents
Road accidents are events that bring immediate chaos and confusion. In these moments, emergency response teams become the backbone of crisis management showcasing swift action and thorough coordination. Their mission is crucial for saving lives. The assigned team reduces the impact of the incident and supports the emergency management operation, while simultaneously ensuring that bystanders… Read more: The Critical Role of Emergency Response Teams in Road Accidents - Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or life force—known as qi (chi). Although it may seem daunting, acupressure has gained wide acceptance as a complementary… Read more: Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Benefits of Acupuncture - Stay Strong, Stay Balanced: Tips from Expert Physical Therapists
Maintaining physical strength and balance is crucial for individuals of all ages, significantly supporting overall health and well-being. With their expert understanding of the human body and its mechanics, physical therapists offer invaluable advice for those seeking to improve or maintain their physical condition. Their guidance is particularly essential for anyone considering the path of… Read more: Stay Strong, Stay Balanced: Tips from Expert Physical Therapists - The Importance of Taking Care of Mental Health During Studies
Obtaining a higher education is a path that many people undertake after they have finished school and college. Some of them have an idea about what they would like to do, whereas others go along with the process and hope for the best. There are so many reasons to go to into higher education, such… Read more: The Importance of Taking Care of Mental Health During Studies
