Worms as a therapy for inflammatory bowel disease?

Parasites: worms are not yet ripe for the treatment of intestinal diseases?

In case of intestinal problems, worming can sometimes work wonders. However, experts advise against self-treatment. Especially since the parasites are not always suitable as a therapeutic agent and even harmful in some diseases.

In autoimmune diseases, worms can help

When the gut is crazy, a worm can sometimes do wonders. Comparative studies show that worms can help with autoimmune diseases. In inflammatory bowel cancer, but they hurt more than they are useful. Researchers from the Institute of Medical Microbiology of the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) at the University Hospital Essen (UK Essen) found this out. Their results have now been published in the journal "PLoS Pathogens".

Although worming can sometimes work wonders on intestinal problems, parasites can also be harmful in some diseases. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com)

Less problems with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Those who have tape, roundworms or roundworms have less problems with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than non-afflicted people, according to a statement by the UDE.

In addition, an experiment by scientists at New York's University School of Medicine has shown that a worm-infested beverage can help fight the chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis.

However, the experts advised those affected not to attempt self-experiment.

Parasites can promote tumor growth

According to UDE, it was shown in practice that the animals are only moderately suitable as a therapeutic agent anyway. What's more, in inflammatory bowel cancer, parasites may even promote tumor growth.

Infection immunologists at the UK Food now confirmed this suspicion in a study on mice. When the mice swallowed the parasites (helminths), the inflammation did not stop.

On the contrary: The parasitic infestation activated the immune cells, the inflammation continued to increase and with it the tumor growth.

Prof. Dr. Astrid Westendorf from the Institute of Medical Microbiology: "That's why we need to examine in more detail how helminths act on the immune system before they can be used in therapy." (Ad)