NOTTINGHAM, England, Sep 29, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- British and Vietnamese
scientists say they've discovered parasitic gut worms, such as hookworms, might
help prevent and treat asthma and other allergies.
Researchers led by Dr. Carsten Flohr of the University of Nottingham, and Dr.
Luc Nguyen Tuyen of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Health Service in central Vietnam
said their study is the largest double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial
to date looking at potential links between hookworm and other gut worm
infections and allergic conditions such as asthma and eczema.
The research was conducted in a rural area of central Vietnam where two of every
three children have hookworm and other gut parasite infections and where
allergies are extremely rare. More than 1,500 schoolchildren ages 6-17 took part
in the clinical trial.
The team investigated whether repeated tablet treatments to clear the body of
gut worms made it more likely for children to develop allergic conditions. While
the treatment did not demonstrate an effect on asthma or eczema, the treated
children had a significantly increased risk of having a positive allergy skin
test to house-dust mites and cockroaches.
That, the scientists said, suggests gut worms have the potential to tone down
human immune responses.
"The next step is to understand exactly how and when gut parasites program the
human immune system in a way that protects against allergic sensitization, and
for such studies, follow-up from birth will be essential," Flohr said.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International