Experimental hookworm infection may promote gluten tolerance in celiacs

[Dave-C]

Hi everyone,

I recently read of a scientific study ( https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(14)01010-0/fulltext ) that described using hookworms to “infect” celiac patients in order to increase gluten tolerance. The idea sounds very unappealing as hookworms are parasitic roundworms that often affect people in developing countries, but when they are used under the supervision of a medical doctor, they could potentially help celiacs build up tolerance to gluten. I believe there are other researchers studying this phenomenon.

 

Anyone heard of using hookworms to inoculate their bodies against celiac symptoms? Thoughts on this type of "treatment"? Apparently, there are private companies that do this sort of thing for celiac patients.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Dave_C
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[cyclinglady]

Well, not much else has been published about this topic since 2014.  I am assuming it might not be very effective.  

There is no easy fix for celiac disease.  I saw Dr. Shelia Crowe a year or so ago.  She is the President of the Gastroenterologist Association.   She said that there are sadly fewer therapies or drugs being worked on for celiac disease.  There used to be many in the pipeline  a decade ago.  A strict gluten-free diet is still your best bet for healing.  

 

 

[ravenwoodglass]

IMHO since the gluten reaction begins when gluten contacts the mucous membranes in the mouth I don't think having worms in the intestines would really be of any use. In addition we already are at risk of malnutrition and having little 'critters' consuming in our guts would increase that risk.