Worm Infestation Can Help Treat IBD And Gut Issues

In a world where humans frequently use hand-sanitizers to keep environment microbe-free, worm infestations may be the solution to gut problems scientists say.

Absence of worms in the stomach could alter the gut microbiome and promote auto-immune disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBD). During animal studies, New York University researchers found worms lowered the presence of a certain type of bacteria associated with gut inflammation.

"We find that helminth infection protects mice deficient in the Chron's Disease susceptibility gene Nod2 from intestinal abnormalities by inhibiting colonization with an inflammatory Bacteroides species," according to the abstract of the study published in the journal Science.

The worms triggered production of bacterial species clostridia that neutralized Bacteroides. Mice in the studies with worm infection were found to have fewer bacteroides, known to be associated with IBD.

"Our findings are among the first to link parasites and bacteria to the origin of IBD, supporting the hygiene hypothesis," said study author P'ng Loke, an associate professor at the university.

According to the hygiene hypothesis, excessive use of sanitization at homes in the developed world may cause the immune system to become over sensitive that it attacks the body, resulting in autoimmune disorders of the gut and other organs including type-1 diabetes.

As part of the study, researchers also found that members of Orang Asli community in rural Malaysia had higher presence of clostridia; this community is known to have low rates of IBD but high rate of worm infection compared to the country's urban population.

The findings of the study could have implications on current treatment practises for immune-related bowel ailments like IBD. With further research, it may lead to treatment options including introduction of chemicals that trigger changes in the gut microbiome to reduce inflammation.

"Our study could change how scientists and physicians think about treating IBD," says study co-senior investigator and microbiologist Ken Cadwell. "Patient testimonials and anecdotes lead many to think that worms directly cure IBD, while in reality, they act on the gut bacteria thought to cause the disease."