Trichuris Suis - Helminthic Therapy

Helminthic Therapy

T. suis ova therapy may produce significant and long lasting improvements in active Crohn's disease. In a study conducted at the University of Iowa, patients who had been administered with T. suis ova for 24 weeks had a response rate of nearly 80% and a remission rate of nearly 73%. Crohn's disease involves over reactive Th1 pathways and colonization with parasitic worms expands several immunoregulatory pathways that limit Th1-type inflammation. Parasitic worms generate production of interleukin 4 and interleukin 13, which are Th2 cytokines. This Th2 response restrains production of Th1 cytokines thereby reducing colitis severity. Parasitic worms also generate regulatory T cells and immune regulatory substances such as transforming growth factor β, interleukin 10, and prostaglandin E2 that assist in sustaining host mucosal homeostasis.

The FDA has granted pig whipworm (Trichuris suis) the status of Investigational New Drug, allowing clinical trials in humans. A clinical trial is ongoing to assess the possibility of T. suis ova therapy in autism treatment.