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Diseased drank worm eggs against chronic intestinal disease ulcerative colitis
Can worms help with chronic bowel disease? In one experiment, a patient swallowed a certain variety and number of intestinal worm eggs. As a result, the ulcerative colitis symptoms improved. The experiment was scientifically accompanied, but those affected should not undertake a self-experiment.
Worm eggs against chronic bowel disease
Scientists at the University School of Medicine in New York report an unusual experiment in the science journal "Science Translational Medicine". A patient has swallowed worm-worm's worm eggs to treat his chronic bowel disease. This was preceded by observations by P'nG Loke's research team, who report that colitis ulcerosa is much less common in some countries where worm infections are widespread. Other studies have also indicated that worms can stop and reduce inflammation.
Intestinal worms as a remedy for chronic intestinal diseases? Still, the method is not mature. Image: Dr_Kateryna - fotolia For the medical experiment, the patient voluntarily swallowed eggs of the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). During the course of the study, the scientists examined the blood values of the 34-year-old. The investigations took place before and after the consumption of the worms. In fact, the patient's health improved after a few months. The researchers found that the worm had increased immune defense cells in the patient's body. In particular, the protein "Interleukin 22" had formed numerous. The protein is u.a. responsible for the stabilization and healing of the mucous membranes. The researchers suspect that the immune defense has formed more immune cells through the worm infection to strengthen the mucous membranes to absorb the worm. Other doctors suspect that the worms secrete effective substances themselves. Animal experiments have shown that the method was able to relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases (eg asthma).
Worm infestation. Image: Carolina K Smith MD - fotolia Researchers advise against imitating the treatment
Despite the currently successful course of alternative treatment, researchers strongly advise against imitating the experiment. Even the worms themselves pose health risks. "The problem is that these worms can cause even mild or severe damage to the intestine," write the study authors. At present it is still completely unclear in which patient the therapy helps and how the further disease course is. To reduce the risk to patients in the future, researchers want to start experimenting with worms, which are usually less dangerous to humans. These include worms, which are more likely to infect pigs and are almost harmless to humans. Pork worms die in the human body within 14 days and can not be transmitted to other people.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel disease
Colitis ulcerosa is a chronic intestinal disease that leads to multiple inflammation in the intestine. In most cases, the rectum and the colon are affected. Unlike Chronic Chronic Chronic Disease, inflammation from the rectum continues to spread. This often results in smaller and larger ulcers, which must be removed with the help of drugs and surgical procedures. Those affected suffer from diarrhea, bloating and severe abdominal pain. In addition to the symptoms occur u.a. Also concomitant diseases such as spondylitis, sacroiliitis or osteoporosis. According to the German Crohn's disease / ulcerative colitis society, around 168,000 people are affected in Germany. The exact causes of the disease are still unclear. (Sb)