Helminthic therapy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

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COPD is a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Gleanings from the science

Autoimmunity plays a key role in the development of COPD [1] and, since helminths are known to be powerful modulators of the human immune system, effectively attenuating inflammation and reversing autoimmunity, they may potentially offer both prophylaxis and treatment for COPD. [2]

As well as the impact of the molecules secreted/excreted by worms, some helminth species - for example hookworms - also have a direct local effect on the lungs when passing through them during their initial migration from the skin to the intestines. This may have additional beneficial effects on the lungs, including a reduction in the host’s susceptibility to respiratory pathogens. 

Studies show that even a transient exposure to hookworm not only recruits innate cells to the lungs (both eosinophils and alternatively activated macrophages), and induces changes in T and B cells, but can also produce long-lived alterations in the pulmonary immune environment that may have a role in enhancing subsequent responses to respiratory pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. [3]

Adverse changes to lung tissue that had occurred prior to commencing helminthic therapy are unlikely to be amenable to this intervention, but it may prevent the development of further damage by limiting inflammation.

A friend has stage 4 COPD and her last testing showed no change. That's huge for her situation; before, it had always deteriorated every test every time. [4]

It is possible that helminthic therapy may temporarily worsen COPD symptoms initially, as is often the case when this treatment is first introduced. This was seen experimentally when mice were infected with the human hookworm-like helminth, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, which briefly initiated the onset of emphysematous pathology. However, this adverse change was quickly reversed by helminth-induced regulatory mechanisms that promote tissue repair and mitigate emphysema [5] and this would likely also be the case when hosting the human hookworm, Necator americanus (NA).

While the migrating larvae of hookworms cause mechanical and enzymatic damage to the lung parenchyma and epithelium... there is remarkable repair of pulmonary pathology postmigration. [6]

The anecdotal evidence

I have had lifelong asthma, eczema and allergies. You name it, I’m allergic to it - trees and grass pollens, dust, molds, and fish. For the most part, medicines kept me under check. Yet over the years, the medications became progressively stronger and, at one point, a doctor told me that I had deteriorated to COPD. While helminth therapy has not been the complete cure I was hoping it might be, it has markedly improved all my conditions. Percentage wise, the improvement is probably around 75%." (Edited from this article.)

A friend with stage 4 COPD has been doing NA for 9 months, 4 doses: 5, 8, 10, 10. No issues with lungs at all, no exacerbation or symptoms. The last pulmonary function test shows stable. This is supposed to be impossible as it is a progressive condition." [7]

See also

• DMSO Heals the Lungs and Cures Chronic Respiratory Diseases

There are many references to COPD in this text, which elaborates DMSO's remarkable effects upon this disease.

The reintroduction to the digestive tract of a controlled number of specially domesticated, mutualistic helminths (intestinal worms) in the form of microscopic eggs or larvae to reconstitute a depleted biome to treat or prevent chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease and other immune-related disorders, including allergy.

An intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. Wikipedia:Helminths

An intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. Wikipedia:Helminths

A helminth that lives in the small intestine. Necator americanus (NA) is the only hookworm species used in helminthic therapy. Its microscopic larvae are applied periodically to the skin.

a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

A helminth that lives in the small intestine. Necator americanus (NA) is the only hookworm species used in helminthic therapy. Its microscopic larvae are applied periodically to the skin.

Eosinophils are a specialised type of white blood cell with a variety of both harmful and beneficial functions. Their numbers rise temporarily following inoculation with helminths.

The reintroduction to the digestive tract of a controlled number of specially domesticated, mutualistic helminths (intestinal worms) in the form of microscopic eggs or larvae to reconstitute a depleted biome to treat or prevent chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease and other immune-related disorders, including allergy.

The species of human hookworm used in helminthic therapy. Its microscopic larvae are applied periodically to the skin.

the human hookworm, Necator americanus

The active immature form of an insect, or an animal such as a helminth, which develops from an egg and eventually transforms again into its adult state.

The reintroduction to the digestive tract of a controlled number of specially domesticated, mutualistic helminths (intestinal worms) in the form of microscopic eggs or larvae to reconstitute a depleted biome to treat or prevent chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease and other immune-related disorders, including allergy.