Helminthic therapy and multiple sclerosis (MS)

    From Helminthic Therapy wiki

    The scientific evidence[edit | edit source]

    A narrative review of the literature on MS and the microbiota included consideration of how the re-introduction of complex eukaryotic symbionts, especially helminths and protists, halts the progression of RRMS by direct modulation of the host immune system, providing conclusive evidence to support the idea that the loss of eukaryotic symbionts is the pivotal evolutionary mismatch that underlies the pathogenesis and progression of MS.
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    Dicrocoelium eggs have a great potential to stimulate immunomodulation towards treatment of EAE during the initial phase.
    This research was also reported in Science Daily, where it was noted that, “The findings of the research… show that infecting MS patients with a safe dose of… Necator americanus induces immunoregulatory responses and boosts the number of cells which help keep the immune system under control.” [1]
    In fact, the trial data reveal that more than half the patients given hookworms did not develop any new lesions, and the conclusion of the trial's lead researcher was that, "there would be a niche for this approach - for individuals with mild disease who don't want to take immunomodulating drugs for life and would prefer a more natural approach.” [2]
    The conclusion published by this study's authors in their formal report - that NA appeared to be ineffective against MS - and the sceptical tenor of the editorial from Jama Neurology, [3] were based on the fact that the particular statistical endpoint determined for the trial by its designers - the cumulative number of new/enlarging T2 and new enhancing T1 lesions at month 9 - had not been reached. This conclusion is a glaring example of the endemic failure within the mainstream medical research community to understand, and accommodate, the unique requirements of living organisms when they are being trialled as a therapy. To read more about this, see, Problems with clinical trials using live helminths.
    This trial employed a novel TSO formulation with a pH of 5, when it is known that storage of TSO at a pH above 4 may impede its therapeutic effect in humans. [4] The conclusions drawn by the authors of this study about the efficacy of TSO are therefore not reliable.
    This study used a treatment period of only 12 weeks, which is inadequate when assessing the efficacy of helminths, and it also used a novel TSO formulation with a pH of 5, when it is known that storage of TSO above pH4 may impede its therapeutic effect in humans. [6] The conclusions drawn by the authors of this study about the efficacy of TSO are therefore not reliable.
    This socio-medical study revealed that the human hookworm, Necator americanus (NA), is extremely effective as a treatment for MS, with a success rate of approximately 50% for the progressive forms of the disease (PPMS and SPMS), and more than 90% for the relapsing-remitting form (RRMS).
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    Overall, our data reveal a potent anti-inflammatory effect of soluble products of T. suis on human myeloid cells, thereby providing increased mechanistic insight into the therapeutical potential of this helminth for MS patients.
    This trial employed a novel TSO formulation with a pH of 5, when it is known that storage of TSO at a pH above 4 may impede its therapeutic effect in humans. [7] The conclusions drawn by the authors of this study about the efficacy of TSO are therefore not reliable.
    (NB the phase 1 (HINT1 with TSO PH 2.3 was successfull: Probiotic helminth administration in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a phase 1 study -- Full text | PDF)
    Treatment: Five subjects with newly diagnosed, treatment-naive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were given 2500 TSO orally every 2 weeks for 3 months in a baseline versus treatment control exploratory trial.
    Results: The mean number of new gadolinium-enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions (n-Gd+) fell from 6.6 at baseline to 2.0 at the end of TSO administration
    (NB HINT2 [9], [10] was done with a version of TSO at pH 5.0, which is known to be less effective than the TSO product at pH 2.4 that is commercially available and was used in Weinstock's early trials.)
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    The Taenia crassiceps-induced immune regulation decreased experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis severity by dampening T cell activation, proliferation and migration to the CNS.
    Proposal for the first Phase 2 trial using a controlled number of Necator americanus in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. (Also reported by Science Daily [11] and the Mail Online. [12]) (NA)
    Also reported by Science Daily [13] and the BBC. [14]).
    In 2007, Correale and Farez demonstrated that patients with multiple sclerosis who were accidentally colonised by one or more of a variety of helminth species experienced a reduced number of disease exacerbations compared with patients who were helminth-free. This was the first study to explore the effect of helminth colonisation on immune response and the natural course of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. It showed that RRMS progressed much more slowly in patients who hosted intestinal worms.

    Ongoing research projects:

    For more research on helminths and MS, use the search function on your device (Control+F on a PC, Command+F on a Mac or 'Find in page' in the drop-down menu from the three dots icon on a mobile) to search the following page for references to “multiple sclerosis” (rather than “MS”).

    Comments by researchers[edit | edit source]

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    In developed countries, where we are well nourished, worms are potentially good. If I had Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or multiple sclerosis, I would infect myself without hesitation. (Prof Alex Loukas, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine) [15]

    For more comments by researchers about helminthic therapy in general, see the following list.

    The anecdotal evidence[edit | edit source]

    • Three annual reports by the same person:
      • "... this is the first April I have been attack free." (Link expired)
      • "This is my second MS season... attack free!" (Link expired)
      • "... its been just over three years since receiving hookworm therapy and... my MS and allergies are still in complete remission!" (Link expired)
    • Two reports by a different individual, written nine months apart.
      • "In summary I will say that without a doubt it has been a success for me." (Link expired)
      • “So far my hookworm experience in fighting my Relapse Remitting MS has been great! I would say awesome even.” (Link expired)
    • The following reports were posted by yet another person, nearly three years apart.
      • "It has been 3 years since my last relapse. And since I've had hookworms, all left over traces from my last relapse have disappeared completely… I think that the hookworms have stopped any disease activity and that has allowed my brain time to heal… I'm incredibly happy and relieved with the results, and I encourage anyone with MS to get treated with helminths, the sooner the better.” (Link expired)
      • “I've been on HT for almost 4 years now, and I still have not had a relapse or any new or active lesions on my yearly MRI's.” (Link expired)
    • "I followed Swank/Jelinek's diet when I was diagnosed eight years ago (2003) and I believe the diet made a huge difference for me but the hookworms stopped my ms progression 100%" (Reported to a closed group, Sept 2011)
    • "I realized - after a few comments from friends - that I had stopped craving ADD drugs like Vyvanse and Adderall for their sheer energizing effect, stopped drinking – ready for this? – a pot and a half of coffee a day. I had more energy than I have had in something like 15 years. The afternoon fatigue wasn’t there as strongly – still there but reduced in its ability to floor me. I didn’t wake up tired and ready to go back to bed… All in all, I'm a happy girl so far. To have some energy back - not complete but so, so much better - is beyond joyful." (Reported by an MS patient, 4 months after inoculation, in a private discussion, Dec 2011.)
    • "… had 3rd top up last week and since then almost symptom free - just slight nerve fatigue towards end of the day." (Reported in a private discussion, Feb 2012)
    • "… while my M.S. hasn't disappeared, I've been consistently stronger with no long weak periods, no more daily or every other day elevated temperature leading to falling and exhaustion, and I'm starting to remember what feeling "normal" feels like..." (Link expired)
    • "Two months after I took the hookworms, all my MS symptoms vanished. I have not had a relapse or any kind of MS activity since I started hookworm therapy. Every brain MRI that I have had (4 of them) has shown no active lesions and no new lesions. In fact, a few lesions have actually disappeared… As far as I am concerned, hookworm therapy has been a total success so far, and I recommend it to anyone with MS." (Link expired)
    • "I am on Necator Americanus starting in September 2007. I reached complete remission in six months. I'm happy to report my MS is still in remission!" (Reported to a closed group, Nov 2012)
    • The following two reports are by the same blogger, two years apart.
      • “… my MS has pretty much been benign since my initial diagnosis almost 5 years ago; I have still had what I call “ghost symptoms” from time to time. These are not real relapses. They happen when I get overheated or have a fever. The body mimics MS symptoms like tingling in the feet or hands and extreme fatigue. Since my wormies moved in, I’ve experienced none of these. I have been able to be out in the heat of the summer without problems. In a lot of ways, the last 6 months have been absolutely fantastic!” [16]
      • "My MS has been pretty much non-existent. So much so that some days I can almost forget about it… When I take a step back to analyze where I am health wise now as opposed to where I was 2 or more years ago, the results truly have been life changing." [17]
    • "18 months so far. Nothing to report! All symptoms have disappeared late summer of 2011 and since it's all quiet. Is there anything else to add?" (Reported to a closed group, Jan 2013)
    • "My most recent MRI… showed no new disease activity over the last year. Yay! Over the last two years I have made numerous life changes including beginning a disease modifying therapy, helminthic therapy, a transition to a pesco-vegetarian diet, stress reduction techniques, and regular exercise. My doctor is telling me to keep doing the same stuff, including the helminthic therapy." (Reported Mar 2013, two years after diagnosis, following inoculations with a total of 135 hookworm larvae.)
    • ☹️ "Since I'm not having the desired effect for my MS from the 230 HW I've been hosting for more than two years, and the 1500 WW I've been hosting for about a year, I'm considering terminating them and trying TSO for a while." (Link expired)
    • "Have been inoculated with hookworms since Sept of 2011. Dietary changes were made years ago and I now have been off any MS medication for over 2 months and am feeling and doing very well." (Reported to a closed group, July 2013)
    • "Since my second "dose" I can now lift my left leg which I couldn't do before. I actually can walk around without my cane at times. In fact, the other day I was walking around my daughter-in-law's home and my grandson tells me "Grandma, you aren't using your cane". I didn't even realize that I wasn't using it. I can feel that this therapy is working and I am slowly getting stronger. I now feel like I have hope for a better future with being able to function better." (Reported in a private message, July 2013)
    • “The more important results were my M.S. results which I have responded very well to. I have not had any symptoms since one month after inoculation…now I do not need MS meds or anything.. They are truly a miracle for me..” (Link expired)
    • “Coming up to 3 year anniversary of starting Helminthic therapy. Overall things very good. No significant relapses. Holding down very well paid job and loving it.” (Posted to a closed group, Jan 2014)
    • The following reports are all from one individual who was diagnosed in 2012 and has hosted NA since 2013.
      • “Had my MRI results this week (after 3 inoculations with NA) and compared them to 2 years ago. My brain lesions have disappeared… I am taking no MS meds, just Paleo diet and 20,000 ius Vitamin D daily. My gait has improved and neurologist tested it this week. I am full of energy and back in full time work.” [18]
      • “All the MRI’s this year (2018) showed no active lesions and no new brain lesions. I have had lots of energy, I am working and even took up Tango! I dance 💃🏻 for hours in 3 inch stilettos 👠!” [19] [20]
      • “After 7 years of only Helminthic Therapy, I am (still) in remission from MS!!!” [21]
      • "Got my results for my 10th year MRI’s. The results from the brain, cervical and thoracic images with and without contrast show no new or active lesions once more! Feeling grateful for my helminth population!!! I have only inoculated with hookworms in all these years. I have had no antibiotics, nor steroids, nor medicine!!! I love my old friends!" [22]
    • ☹️ "Unfortunately, I am not a success story with helminthic therapy. I was diagnosed 20 years ago with RRMS, but my condition has since progressed to SPMS. I had hookworms for about three years. It completely cured my allergies, but my multiple sclerosis did not improve. During the three years, I experimented with many different doses of hookworm and found that my MS symptoms were continuing to progress slowly. In 2012 or 2013, I got a severe stomach bug and had the worst MS attack of my life. After that, I stopped trying HT and continued back onto disease modifying medication." (Via private message.)
    • “What a difference a year and 12 hookworms can make! Yesterday I went snowboarding!!!! Woo!!! Last time I tried that was 13 months ago, and it didn't go well. But yesterday went great! Nerve pain in my feet has diminished so I could wear boots. My fatigue and depression have eased. Had no vertigo. I could control my legs and my eyes were rock solid steady. I could wear contact lenses (first time in 1.5 years.) And I could even breathe.” (Link expired)
    • “I have very mild MS. I saw total remission with hookworms about 8 years ago, and haven’t had a serious exacerbation since.” [23]
    • “I've also been using NA for MS, and I think it helps quite a bit.” (Link expired)
    • “I have had MS for 10 years, and NA for 3 years without any issues. Prior to NA, relapses came every 6-8 months. Now, since the NA, I have not had a relapse. That’s 3 years with greatly reduced symptoms, including pain. I cannot encourage people enough to get on board with this alternative to standard medicine. It can be in addition to your current treatment too.” (Link expired)
    • "I have been on HDC for MS for 6 months. I started slowly on 30 HDC every 2 weeks and stayed on this for a few months. I have good weeks and bad weeks with symptoms which relate to the phases in my monthly cycle, and I found my bad weeks were better than I would expect. After developing a new symptom, I stopped the HDC for 6-8 weeks to see if this was causing it. It wasn’t, and I noticed I was worse in the bad phases of my cycle, so I restarted the HDC. Before that, I had got up to 50 HDC every 2 weeks, and I resumed at that dose for a month. Then I increased it to 100 HDC every 2 weeks. I don’t think I’ve found my optimal dose yet, but there is definitely a positive effect happening for me and, yesterday, my osteopath commented on how well I was walking." (Edited from this post.)
    • "My sister in law has MS and RA, and she’s been in remission since getting on NA with a small amount of TSO." [24]
    • "I have RRMS. I was in a clinical trial years ago and took TSO. I started with 5 brain lesions and 10 months later had 0. I felt great I was so pleased… Since then I have taken no meds. My MS has only shown one new lesion a few years ago." [25]

    Reporting your own experience

    To report your personal experience of using helminthic therapy to treat MS, please use our bespoke reporting tool.

    Best helminth species to treat MS[edit | edit source]

    In 2015, Cheng et al, reported that:

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    NA is extremely effective at treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with a success rate exceeding 90%. The success rate for treating progressive multiple sclerosis is less, at about 50% (source: provider interview).

    This study found a couple of individuals who had used HDC to treat MS. One of them reported a 40% success rate using HDC alone, while the other reported 100% success by combining HDC with NA. Seven NA users with RRMS all reported a 100% success rate, as did someone who combined TSO with NA.

    The MS personal stories reported in this wiki are almost exclusively from NA hosts (see, Helminthic therapy personal stories: MS), so NA is clearly the go-to species for MS. For details of how to use NA, see Self-treating with NA.

    Further reading[edit | edit source]

    Given that helminthic therapy can take a while to begin producing benefits (up to 2 years in the case of NA [26]), it can help to have alternative treatment options to turn to while waiting for the worms to begin to work. The following document contains a wide range of alternative, mostly science-based, natural approaches.

    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.

    Multiple sclerosis (also known as disseminated sclerosis) is a chronic, typically progressive disease involving damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, whose symptoms may include numbness, impairment of speech and of muscular coordination, blurred vision and severe fatigue.

    The specific population of microorganisms living in a certain part of the body, such as the gut. "Microbiome" refers to all the microorganisms living in and on the body, or the genome of these microorganisms. These two terms are often used interchangeably.

    Symbiosis is a close, long-term relationship between organisms of different species. Helminths are obligatory symbionts because they depend entirely on their host for survival, and they are also ectosymbionts because they live on their host’s body surface, albeit the inner surface of the digestive tract. The species used in helminthic therapy are also mutualists.

    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

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

    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.

    the human hookworm, Necator americanus

    the ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis

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

    the ability to produce a desired or intended result.

    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.

    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

    Helminth-Induced Immunomodulation Therapy. This term was adopted by researchers investigating the effects of TSO in patients with MS. [27]

    Ulcerative colitis (Colitis ulcerosa, UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which specifically affects the large intestine, or colon, causing characteristic ulcers, or open sores. The main symptom of active disease is constant diarrhea mixed with blood, of gradual onset.

    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.

    helminthic therapy

    The introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. Helminth inoculation

    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.

    hookworm, usually referring to the human hookworm, Necator americanus

    whipworm, referring either to the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, or the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis

    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.

    Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta

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