WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Oddly enough, being infested with parasites might lessen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, researchers reported in January's Annals of Neurology. Scientists at the Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research in Buenos Aires found support for the theory that the autoimmune response from a parasitic infection can weaken the inflammatory reaction that sparks MS symptoms.
The researchers studied 12 patients with MS who had parasitic infections, 12 patients with MS who were not infected and 12 healthy individuals. The patients underwent a neurological exam every three months and a brain MRI every six months; immunologic evaluations were done between the last 12 to 18 months of the study, which lasted nearly five years.
During the study there were only three MS relapses in the infected group, compared to 56 relapses in the uninfected group.
It's possible parasites may spur growth of regulatory T-cell numbers or activity by generating or activating new cells, the authors wrote.
Since intestinal parasites inhabit their hosts for long periods of time, in order to enhance their survival they may develop molecules that prevent inflammation. The authors note more research is needed to find out which molecules dampen these inflammatory reactions.
So, why are people being 'cured' of their MS on a combined antibiotic therapy (CAP)? The parasites may have some benefit that the researchers are over looking. Instead, they are saying the parasites are the cause of the remissions. Think of the recent work done with maggots. Maggot's - yucky creatures - apparently clean wounds and secret a substance so that wounds heal. The person gets a benefit of wounds that heal and the creature get to eat. Ok, that's more symbiotic, but you get my drift.
Lorster - Clean Theory is something they use for asthama all the time. But it cannot be all that's going on, like you said. I used to joke that I didn't have to worry about my kid getting any of this because the house was always messy or one step up from social service intervention (LOL). But look at us now. And I have read stuff that say they tested the sinks of ABX soap users and were not able to prove resistance.
Food for thought,
Pip
I recall that many moons ago that they were bathing newborns with Dail Soap, which at that time was much stronger than it is now and babies were dying soon after birth and nobody knew why. It was because the soap was killing the germs that newborns need to survive. The dial soap people hushed it up somewhat, but I have always remembered it and have tried to apply to my everyday living,Ok, I agree about the over clean stuff, but I can't imagine the conversation with the doctor about the parasite treatment. Let's see...
Doctor, "I have a new treatment for you that's right on the leading edge of research."
Patient, "Great, what is it. I certainly don't want MS."
"We are going to invest you with parasites by sending you for a couple of weeks in a third world country. Of course, there is some risk that the wrong parasites met infect you. But I believe that the benefits for you far outweigh the risks. What do you think?"
"I think not."
"You are just being a difficult, unreasonable patient. I won't treat you any more. You can just go for a second opinion."
Okay, extreme, but my first reaction.
umm I don't know but parasites? I dont think I would say hey doc I need some parasites please I do know that some of them are hard to kill off in fact I heard a doc say some worm is almost impossible to kill off because you almost have to kill the pt to kill the worm
now for ra folks some parasites actually cause joint pain so I don't know if i would run off and ask for some bugs from the doc just yet.
I read somewhere that 85 per cent of americans are already infested because of our bad food supply so I not sure having enough bugs is a problem.
hell just eating at mcdonalds once probably means you have parasites lol.
That's the cure then. Eat a McDonald's. And we thought it was bad for us.
Just kidding. Mark you made some good points. I just can't stand the thought of them giving me bugs as a treatment option. It creeps me out. Guess I'm not desperate enough today.
What would be great is if they could learn to understand the molecular process or chemicals released by the parasites which trigger the T-cell growth. Then perhaps you could take a pill or shot that would start the same reaction. I hope that is where this research will lead.BAT SPIT ???
How do you get a bat to spit anyhow? Offer it chewing tobacco? Insult it's mother?
Doctor: "You have a choice in treatments. . ."
Patient: "Oh, good. What are they?"
Doctor: "You can be infested with parasitic worms. . ."
Patient, horrified: "Or . . .?!?"
Doctor: "You can hang out in a cave until a bat spits on you."
Patient: "I've gotta get a better HMO"
Lynk, that was definitely funny.
Hillhoney, it would be great if it leads to something really helps. A lot of things in nature do. I think that there are a lot of answers out there which is why it is such a shame that so many habitats are being destroyed.
Hey, if a bug can cure me or at least not destroy my body in the process of making me feel better, I would go for it. Just don't make me touch one. Same thing goes for the bat.
Too funny you guys!
Hillhoney -
I don't suppose you have any articles or anything on the bat spit. I'd really like to see it.
Pip
I saw it on TV - actually saw a woman from TN that was treated with it and in spite of the fact that she had a massive stroke, she didn't have any damage!Duh - why didn't I think of Google!
Thanks - I copied the article for my files.
Pip