Its a medication technique that many may be reluctant to swallow, but its slowly proving to be a valuable tool in treating autoimmune disorders ingesting the eggs of parasitic worms.
The use of this alternative medicine is all part of the hygiene hypothesis the idea that harmful organisms might actually be protecting our immune systems. In the 19th century, people did not bathe as frequently as they do now, and many lived among filth but autoimmune diseases were virtually non-existent. Subsequently, those who currently live in third-world countries also have a lower rate of developing autoimmune diseases.
Related: Scientists aim to prevent diabetes, Crohn's with worm-based therapy
Dr. Eric Hollander got the idea to study the use of the hygiene hypothesis to treat autism when he noticed one of his patients behavior improve while self-medicating with Trichuris suis ova (TSO), the eggs of a whipworm.
Over the past 20 years, doctors have noticed parasitic worms help alleviate symptoms for patients with Crohns disease, but other disorders, like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes are also being studied.
Autism activated by immune system?
Now, Hollander, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and director of Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Program at Montefiore Medical Center, is leading a trial that will see if TSO can treat the symptoms of autism.
Theres some evidence with autism that some individuals may have had an activation of the maternal immune system the inflammatory response is activated during pregnancy, Hollander told FoxNews.com. The TSO is a naturally-occurring drug delivering device that can dampen the inflammatory response and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is something that keeps the inflammatory process going. And, thats associated with certain symptoms we see in the autism disorder.
Hollander said his patient failed to respond to typical treatments like Risperdal or Abilify, which is marketed for severe disruptive behaviors. Incidentally, the teenage patient also has a history of allergies and food allergies and his family has a history of autoimmune diseases.
The family noticed their sons autism behavior improved when he was having an allergic reaction or fever, leading them to believe there was a problem with his immune response so they got the idea to treat him with TSO, an immunotherapy biologic agent.
Here is the original post:
Study looks at worm therapy to treat autism