Difference between revisions of "Hookworm dosing and response"
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Individuals who are hypersensitive, or have at least one of [[Helminthic therapy safety#Conditions that require a modified approach to helminth dosing | '''these conditions''']], are advised to commence with just 3 NA. | Individuals who are hypersensitive, or have at least one of [[Helminthic therapy safety#Conditions that require a modified approach to helminth dosing | '''these conditions''']], are advised to commence with just 3 NA. | ||
− | ===Those who began with dose of 50 or more NA have usually regretted it!=== | + | ===Those who began with a dose of 50 or more NA have usually regretted it!=== |
Early pioneers who inoculated with 50 larvae eventually wished they hadn’t! Prof David Pritchard of Nottingham University School of Pharmacy could not cope with a single inoculation of 50 hookworm larvae, [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-434226/Madman-hero-The-medical-maverick-let-50-hookworms-burrow-arm.html] and Dr James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who inoculated with 50 hookworm larvae for a UK TV documentary, had to abort the experiment after 60 days, saying, "I just can't live with the symptoms and the stomach pains.” [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/01/extreme-science-hookworms-james-logan] | Early pioneers who inoculated with 50 larvae eventually wished they hadn’t! Prof David Pritchard of Nottingham University School of Pharmacy could not cope with a single inoculation of 50 hookworm larvae, [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-434226/Madman-hero-The-medical-maverick-let-50-hookworms-burrow-arm.html] and Dr James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who inoculated with 50 hookworm larvae for a UK TV documentary, had to abort the experiment after 60 days, saying, "I just can't live with the symptoms and the stomach pains.” [https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/dec/01/extreme-science-hookworms-james-logan] |
Revision as of 13:55, 28 October 2020
This page discusses the therapeutic use of the human hookwormA 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., Necator americanusThe species of human hookworm used in helminthic therapy. Its microscopic larvae are applied periodically to the skin. (NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus) [1]. The other species of human hookwormA 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., Ancylostoma duodenaleA species of roundworm, aka the Old World hookworm, that is "not" used in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancylostoma_duodenale Wikipedia:Ancylostoma duodenale], [2] is not suitable for use in therapy because it takes an estimated nine times more blood than Necator, can infect a foetus by crossing the placenta, and is able to migrate via breast milk. [3]
Contents
- 1 Therapeutic response
- 1.1 The success of hookworm therapy cannot be predicted
- 1.2 Early benefits are possible but not common, and they may fluctuate
- 1.3 Disease symptoms may worsen before improving
- 1.4 Consistent improvement can begin anytime from 3 to 24 months
- 1.5 Diseases may continue to flare occasionally up to 18 months
- 1.6 The emergence of benefits can be a gradual process
- 1.7 Different conditions in the same host may respond at different times
- 1.8 People with several conditions may not see improvement in all of them
- 1.9 Response may vary from one inoculation to another
- 1.10 For benefits to last, a hookworm colony needs regular maintenance
- 1.11 See also
- 2 Introduction to hookworm dosing
- 3 Hookworm dosing in a nutshell
- 4 The evolution of hookworm dosing
- 5 The first dose
- 5.1 The first dose of NA is best restricted to a maximum of 5 larvae
- 5.2 Those who began with a dose of 50 or more NA have usually regretted it!
- 5.3 Doses of 30 or 35 larvae can cause severe side effects
- 5.4 Doses of 20 or 25 larvae can cause very unpleasant effects
- 5.5 Prolonged side effects can mask other developing conditions
- 5.6 Patients with some conditions need to start with just 3 larvae
- 5.7 Even 3-5 larvae can cause significant side effects in some people
- 5.8 Just 3-5 larvae can be surprisingly effective
- 5.9 The absence of a rash may not indicate a failed inoculation
- 5.10 Other helminth species should not be added alongside a first dose of NA
- 6 Supplementary doses
- 6.1 A few NA hosts may eventually tolerate doses of between 35 and 50 larvae
- 6.2 Supplementary doses of 35 or more larvae may cause side effects
- 6.3 Too many hookworms may cause Löffler’s (Loeffler's) syndrome
- 6.4 Larger doses may potentially cause organ damage in rare cases
- 6.5 Supplementary doses may be best kept under 20 or 25
- 6.6 Some people need to restrict supplementary doses to 5 larvae or less
- 6.7 A few people may need to pause treatment after just one or two doses
- 7 Dosing in the long term
- 8 Colony size
- 9 Colony collapse
- 10 Hookworm dosing in children
- 11 See also
Therapeutic response
The success of hookwormA 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. therapy cannot be predicted
At the present time, it is not possible to predict who will benefit from hookwormA 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. therapy, nor to what extent a condition might respond, but factors that favour a better outcome include:
- being young
- having been ill for a shorter period of time
- having a less severe form of a disease
The severity of skin response to the initial inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] is not a reliable guide to the likely extent of success with the therapy.

Early benefits are possible but not common, and they may fluctuate
A few people may begin to see benefits at an early stage, but these don't become consistent until at least 12 weeks.







Disease symptoms may worsen before improving
Disease symptoms frequently worsen during the first few months before beginning to improve. One individual, who had had daily headaches and frequent migraines for many years, saw his symptoms worsen slightly in the first 4 months after his first dose. [12]
Consistent improvement can begin anytime from 3 to 24 months
For the majority of those who do eventually respond, significant benefits do not usually materialise until at least 3 months after the first inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation], with most people only seeing improvement in their condition between 3 and 6 months.


Some may only start to improve between 6 and 12 months.



Others have had to wait until beyond 12 months and, in a few cases, for as long as 18-24 months.






The long wait can be a challenge, but the eventual rewards can make it worth while.

Diseases may continue to flare occasionally up to 18 months
Even when benefits appear early in the process, diseases can continue to flare periodically for no apparent reason until around 18 months.
The emergence of benefits can be a gradual process
The appearance of benefits can be a very gradual process in some people, and follows a natural progression in which the amount of time that worms have been hosted can be more important than the number of worms inoculated.



In another example, someone who had been unable to eat any normal foods for more than a decade began to tolerate a few foods for the first time at 12 weeks, but tolerance to other foods was only regained very gradually, over a period of 18 months. [26]
Provided that an adequate colony is maintained, improvements often continue to appear into the third year, and even beyond that, albeit at a gradually diminishing rate. The first comment below was written by someone with MSMultiple 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. and food sensitivities after hosting hookwormsA 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. for over 2½ years.




Different conditions in the same host may respond at different times
Where someone has more than one condition, these may take different lengths of time to respond. One subject experienced an unusually early response when his nasal congestion began to ease on the day after his first inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation], but his Restless Leg Syndrome only began to reduce during week 5, and took 19 weeks to resolve completely. And, while a few of his food intolerances began to ease at 12 weeks, it was 18 months before he was able to eat all foods again.
A child with “terrible contact dermatitis and severe eczema from multiple food allergies” had mostly clear skin by 9 months after her first inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] with hookwormsA 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., but her food allergies only began to disappear at 19 months. [32]
People with several conditions may not see improvement in all of them

Response may vary from one inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] to another

The self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance. who reported this, added that, in her case, new symptoms which appear after an inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] can last anywhere from a couple of days to 6 months. [35]
For benefits to last, a hookwormA 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. colony needs regular maintenance
Although it appears that a few individuals may be able to enjoy a continuation of some benefits after hookwormsA 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. are lost, [36] benefits will only continue in the vast majority of cases for as long as the colony is actively maintained by adding periodic top-up doses.

See also
For more detail about what to expect at each stage of hookwormA 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. therapy, see the following page.
Introduction to hookwormA 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. dosing
HookwormA 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. dosing cannot be reduced to a formula because everyone is different in how they respond to helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths].
It is not necessary to use the large doses that were advocated by the early pioneers of this therapy, typically starting with a dose of 25 or 35 hookwormA 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. larvaeThe 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., followed in some cases by even larger supplementary doses.
A dose of 5 larvaeThe 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. has proved to be an effective introduction, and this number minimises the side effects that are a common feature of the early experience of hookwormA 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. therapy.
For more detail about the possible side effects, see the following page.
If starting with 5 larvaeThe 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., most hookwormA 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. hosts should be free from side effects by 12 weeks, so would be able to add a further dose at this point. However, more worms should not be added until all the side effects caused by the first dose have completely subsided, along with any exacerbation of symptoms of the disease being treated. Otherwise, there could be an aggregation, or "stacking", of side effects from both doses. Apart from the host having to endure these side effects, along with any disease exacerbations caused by the introduction of hookwormsA 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 increased inflammation caused by adding too many worms too quickly may be sufficient to prevent at least some of the new worms from attaching to the gut lining.
For someone who is very sick, it can be tempting to try to speed up the therapy process in the early stages by adding more worms as quickly as possible, but this can be counterproductive, possibly causing such severe side effects that it would be necessary to terminate the colony and start over.
Disease remission is brought about not so much by the number of worms being hosted as by the length of time that worms have been present. There is nothing to be gained by attempting to reach a notional maximum number of worms in any particular time frame. All that is required is that the colony is refreshed by periodic top-ups.

Once disease remission is achieved, the size and frequency of doses can be determined more accurately by observing how long it takes for signs of one’s disease to return after a dose, and using this information to establish a dosing regimen that will maintain uninterrupted remission. A period of experimentation is usually required, and hookwormA 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. hosts should keep a record of the size and dates of all their doses.


HookwormA 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. dosing in a nutshell
1. Start with 5 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus larvaeThe 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.. (For children, see Hookworm dosing in children below.)
- If the self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance. is hypersensitive or has one of several specific conditions, they should start with just 3 larvaeThe 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..
- Doses larger than these are not necessary and may cause undue side effects which, in some cases, can require termination and a fresh start.
2. Add supplementary doses at intervals of at least 12 weeks.
- The number of larvaeThe 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. in each successive dose can be increased gradually, while being careful to avoid overdosing, which can cause side effects.
- There is no need to aim for any particular colony size. All that is necessary is to regularly add fresh doses to ensure that there are always young adult worms present in the gut.
3. Once benefits have appeared, experiment to find the number of worms per dose, and the interval between doses, that will optimise those benefits.
- The ideal number of larvaeThe 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. per dose and the optimum dosing frequency vary considerably between self-treaters.
4. Keep dosing under review indefinitely because the need for worms can change over time, requiring re-optimisation of the dosing regimen.
See the rest of this page for full details about each of the above steps.
The evolution of hookwormA 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. dosing
The early providers had limited evidence on which to base dosing
When the first company to sell hookwormsA 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. online was established in 2007, researchers working with hookwormsA 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. were still at the stage of carrying out preliminary experiments, including on themselves, in an attempt to establish what number of larvaeThe 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. might be suitable for use in reintroducing this species into helminthAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths]-naive subjects for therapeutic purposes. [39] [40] Beyond these experiments, there was little information to help the commercial hookwormA 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. providers in deciding what doses they should recommend to their customers.
The individuals behind the first online hookwormA 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. vendor separated early in their association to form two companies - Autoimmune Therapies (AIT) and Worm Therapy - which recommended different doses for those commencing hookwormA 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. therapy. In the case of AIT, a first dose of 35 larvaeThe 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. was followed by two doses of 50 larvaeThe 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. at 12 week intervals. Worm Therapy started their new clients with a dose of 25 larvaeThe 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., and based the size and timing of subsequent doses on the recipient’s response to their first dose.
Numerous early hookwormA 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. self-treaters who used these two regimens reported significant side effects from the doses they were supplied, especially clients of AIT. One self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance. had to contend with 19 weeks of intermittent diarrhoea from weeks 5 to 24 following an initial dose of 35 larvaeThe 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., and someone who used AIT’s full 35/50/50 sequence was hospitalised with organ damage, which was fortunately reversed by medical treatment. [41]
For the first few years after hookwormsA 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. became available commercially, the only online discussion about helminthic therapyThe 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. was in a Yahoo forum created and run by AIT, where this company’s approach to dosing was accepted, largely without question.
The online community refined dosing based on collective experience
After the creation, in 2012, of the independent Helminthic Therapy Support group on Facebook, reports began to emerge of members who appeared to have inoculated with too many hookwormsA 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., causing a loss of benefits and a decline in health that necessitated termination of their hookwormA 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. colonies. In some cases, the resulting destabilisation of health caused ramifications that lasted for many months, and even several years for a few individuals.
As more reports began to emerge of adverse side effects following the dosing protocols that were still in use, particularly by AIT, warnings were issued to Support group members about the risks of inoculating with too many hookwormsA 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., especially for those who have one of the conditions that are now listed as requiring a modified approach to helminth dosing.
When this Helminthic Therapy Wiki was founded, in January 2017, this HookwormA 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. Dosing and Response page became the repository for all the details about hookwormA 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. dosing that had been collected from posts to the Support group and elsewhere. This material showed very clearly that the previous approach to hookwormA 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. dosing had been flawed, and that not only are much smaller introductory doses preferable from the point of view of causing less side effects, but that they also produce the same level of efficacy as larger introductory doses, and provide a solid foundation for longterm dosing which might, for some self-treaters, eventually include much larger supplementary doses.
New providers embraced the new approach to dosing
In 2014, a new breed of hookwormA 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. provider began to emerge, beginning with Wormswell (2014-2018), and followed by Symmbio (2016), YourSymbionts (2018) and Au NAturel (2019). These companies not only introduced a more user-friendly, pay-per-dose business model, but also worked more closely with the online community of helminth self-treaters than previous companies had done.
Once this wiki was available, the newer providers all recognised the site as the definitive database of information about all aspects of helminthic therapyThe 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., and contributed to the site's development. As the knowledge about hookwormA 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. dosing evolved, these three companies adopted an increasingly more conservative approach in line with the evidence presented on this page.
AIT continued to apply their introductory 35/50/50 dosing protocol until 2017, except in the case of clients with fibromyalgia, who they had come to realise require much lower doses. But, after the company’s attention was drawn to this page, they adopted a new dosing regimen and, by late 2017, were introducing newcomers to the therapy with a dose sequence of 5/5/10/10/20/20 larvaeThe 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.. Worm Therapy, meanwhile, continued to start most of their new clients on a dose of 25 larvaeThe 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., and persisted with this practice into at least the early part of 2019, even after their attention had been drawn to the data on this page, which they rejected as being merely anecdotal.
Obsolete dosing practice is perpetuated outside the online community
Medical practitioners with an interest in helminthic therapyThe 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. who follow the conversation in the Helminthic Therapy Support group had mostly modified their approach to hookwormA 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. dosing by the start of 2019, and the majority were starting new patients on a dose of 5 larvaeThe 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.. A few, however, who are operating in isolation from the online community, and not keeping up to date via this wiki, continued to use larger doses, typically introducing new patients to the therapy with between one and three doses of 25 larvaeThe 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.. One naturopathic doctor was, in late 2018, still starting most of his patients on an initial dose of 25-35 larvaeThe 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., followed by 2 or 3 doses of 20 larvaeThe 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. at three month intervals and then 5-10 larvaeThe 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. at 2 month intervals, a schedule that is diametrically opposed to what is suggested by user experience, as reported on this page.
There are some self-treaters who are not working with a doctor and who fail to find, or decide to overlook, the advice available on this page, and turn instead to obsolete information found on assorted sites across the internet, which leads them to seek larger hookwormA 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. doses than are advisable. Unfortunately, these individuals sometimes also turn a deaf ear to attempts by providers to encourage them to be more conservative in their dosing choices.
HookwormA 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. dosing in research centres
The hookwormA 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. self-treaters who are members of the online community far outnumber the subjects who have taken part in the few formal clinical trials that have been mounted to investigate the therapeutic potential of hookwormsA 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., and the researchers involved in these studies have consequently had access to far less data to inform their understanding of the effects of different dose sizes.
Prior to 2006, researchers at Nottingham University had carried out a small dose-ranging study to identify a suitable dose size for their trials of therapeutic infection with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus in humans. [42] They concluded from this study that a dose of 10 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus larvaeThe 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. is well tolerated, elicits a modest eosinophilic and antibody response, and was potentially suitable for use in preliminary clinical therapeutic trials. However, after trials using single doses of 10 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, the team at Nottingham then employed a single dose of 25 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus in their Worms in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (WiRMS) trial that ran from 2011 to 2016. [43] Other centres investigating the therapeutic effects of hookwormsA 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. have used doses ranging from 10 to 40 larvaeThe 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.. [44] [45] [46]
The information on this page, condensed from the experience of thousands of citizen scientists in the online community, could have been invaluable to medical researchers, had they chosen to utilise it. For example, they would have discovered the importance of maintaining a hookwormA 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. colony by continuing to add supplementary doses at appropriate intervals, but, unfortunately, medical research has largely ignored the experience of helminth self-treaters and the data presented here.
The first dose
The first dose of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus is best restricted to a maximum of 5 larvaeThe 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.
In the first decade of self-treatmentMedication or treatment of one's own disease or condition without medical assistance. with hookwormsA 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. (2007-2017), introductory doses of up to 35 larvaeThe 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. were recommended by providers, but this quantity often causes severe side effects. Even a dose of 5 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus can produce some side effects, but these are usually manageable at this dosage.

Not only do very small doses keep any side effects to a minimum, but 5, or even 3, NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, are also effective, and start the process of bringing the host's immune system back into balance.
Individuals who are hypersensitive, or have at least one of these conditions, are advised to commence with just 3 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus.
Those who began with a dose of 50 or more NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus have usually regretted it!
Early pioneers who inoculated with 50 larvaeThe 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. eventually wished they hadn’t! Prof David Pritchard of Nottingham University School of Pharmacy could not cope with a single inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] of 50 hookwormA 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. larvaeThe 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., [48] and Dr James Logan from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who inoculated with 50 hookwormA 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. larvaeThe 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. for a UK TV documentary, had to abort the experiment after 60 days, saying, "I just can't live with the symptoms and the stomach pains.” [49]




Doses of 30 or 35 larvaeThe 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. can cause severe side effects






Doses of 20 or 25 larvaeThe 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. can cause very unpleasant effects







Prolonged side effects can mask other developing conditions
Apart from having to cope with the side effects of larger doses of hookwormsA 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., there is also a risk that these symptoms could mask other conditions that might develop during a prolonged side effect period, as happened in the following case.

Patients with some conditions need to start with just 3 larvaeThe 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.
Anyone with an increased level of sensitivity should start with just 3 larvaeThe 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., especially if they have one of the conditions listed in the following page section.
Here are just two examples of the difficulties experienced by people with hypersensitivities who inoculate with too many hookwormsA 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..
Someone with mastocytosis who inoculated with 30 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus ended up in hospital after increasingly high doses of prednisone failed to relieve muscle spasms that were so severe and constant she was literally screaming. She could not even roll over in bed. [70]
And someone with narcolepsy reported as follows.

Even 3-5 larvaeThe 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. can cause significant side effects in some people
A first dose of 5 larvaeThe 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. can cause significant side effects in some people, and not only those who are hypersensitive.











Even a first dose of 3 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus can be a challenge for a few self-treaters, including some who are not on the hypersensitive spectrum.

Just 3-5 larvaeThe 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. can be surprisingly effective
It can be difficult to imagine that very small numbers of tiny hookwormsA 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. would be capable of producing much benefit in a host many times their size, but it is clear that they are.






This individual then increased the size of her next two doses, but this brought no additional benefit.

The absence of a rash may not indicate a failed inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation]
For full details, see the following page.
Other helminth species should not be added alongside a first dose of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus
Beginning helminthic therapyThe 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. with more than one species of worm presents an increased challenge to the host’s immune system, resulting in a greater risk of side effects.
Once a host's immune system has become accustomed to the presence of one species, the addition of further species may provide extra benefits.
Supplementary doses
Helminthic therapyThe 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. is not a one-dose fix. To reap the benefits offered by helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths], self-treaters need to maintain exposure to them indefinitely. The first dose is just the starter.
A supplementary dose can usually be added 12 weeks after the first dose, but only if all side effects from the first dose have ceased. In a few cases, side effects can persist beyond 12 weeks.

Once side effects have settled, and the first cohort of worms has been in place for at least 12 weeks, these mature worms will help to modulate the immune system’s response to the second dose. This will result in less side effects unless there is a large increase in the size of the second dose which would make side effects more likely, in a dose-dependent manner. It is therefore recommended that all self-treaters who are using NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus should proceed cautiously and only increase the size of supplementary doses gradually, selecting the number of larvaeThe 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. in each new dose based on their experience with the previous dose.
If the first dose was 5, and side effects were absent or minimal, the second dose might be 10. However, if a first dose of 5 larvaeThe 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. causes significant side effects, this should be followed by a further dose of 5, and this should only be added once the side effects from the first dose have subsided. The response to the second dose should then be assessed during the following 12 weeks before deciding on the size of the third dose, and so on until side effects are no longer being experienced.
The amount of time that worms have been hosted is more important for the treatment than the number of worms that have been inoculated, and there is therefore no urgency to reach any particular total number.
After a few doses have been added, side effects should cease to appear altogether, if they have appeared at all beyond the first dose. However, supplementary doses may occasionally continue to trigger a recurrence of the disease being treated, as happened in the following case after each of the first four doses.

Once supplementary doses are no longer causing side effects or exacerbating the disease being treated, the size of doses can be gradually and cautiously increased, while remaining vigilant for any return of adverse effects.
A few NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus hosts may eventually tolerate doses of between 35 and 50 larvaeThe 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.
After the first few doses, a few hosts do best with larger supplementary doses in the long term, and tolerate them well.



Supplementary doses of 35 or more larvaeThe 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. may cause side effects
Even subjects who have been hosting hookwormsA 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. for many years may continue to experience significant and quite long-lasting side effects following supplementary doses of 35 or more larvaeThe 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..




Too many hookwormsA 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. may cause Löffler’s (Loeffler's) syndrome
The side effects caused by large supplementary doses mostly affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing the typical diarrhoea, cramping and gas, etc., but, sometimes, they may involve the chest, and possibly result in Löffler’s (Loeffler's) syndrome, a type of eosinophilic pneumonia (inflammation of the lung) that is caused by the immune system attacking the larvaeThe 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. during their transit through the lungs. This reaction is similar to those that occur at the site of inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] on the skin, and in the gut.
Löffler’s Syndrome is most likely to be seen in those with a history of asthma or allergy, and it can manifest as a productive cough and shortness of breath, but possibly also as sinus and other upper respiratory issues. These may last for several weeks, but not necessarily continuously, and, while they do not usually require treatment, they can be very unpleasant, so it may be wise to avoid the use of supplementary doses of 35 or more in order to obviate the risk of inducing Löffler’s Syndrome.

It is also possible to experience Loffler’s syndrome following inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] with much smaller doses of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, especially in those with certain pre-existing conditions - particularly those affecting the lungs - or with certain genetic profiles.
Someone with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease associated with scleroderma, in addition to a pre-existing Strongyloides infection, developed Loffler’s syndrome after taking a dose of 15 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus following previous doses of 5 and 10, both of which had been side effect-free and produced some improvements in health. All three doses were taken at 12 week intervals. Following the third dose, this individual became so ill that she was hospitalised and required high dose prednisone, even after termination of her NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus colony. [101] [102]
Someone else who developed Loffler’s syndrome following inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus subsequently discovered, as a result of extensive genetic testing, that she is essentially defenceless against most parasitesAn organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits at the host’s expense. (The organisms used in helminthic therapy are, strictly speaking, not parasites, but mutualists, because they have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their hosts.), so needs to restrict the number of helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths] she hosts. [103] (She has an adverse variation of the LTF gene [104] amongst other genetic anomalies. Her testing was carried out by GeneSavvy and reviewed by a doctor experienced in interpreting such tests.)
The latter individual was unaware of her genetic predisposition when she began helminthic therapyThe 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., and there will inevitably be others with similar genetic variations who may face severe effects from adding just a few too many NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus. Her case is further evidence for why everyone who starts therapy with hookwormsA 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. should commence with no more than the recommended 3-5 larvaeThe 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., and should proceed thereafter with caution, only increasing the size of supplementary doses very gradually.
Larger doses may potentially cause organ damage in rare cases
There has been a single report in the scientific literature of a case of reversible damage to the heart myocardium (in addition to Loeffler’s syndrome affecting the lungs) as a result of hypereosinophilia following inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] over 7 months with three large doses of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus. (35/50/50) [105]
Supplementary doses may be best kept under 20 or 25
For most of those who are not in the higher risk category, keeping supplementary doses below 25 larvaeThe 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. will reduce the risk of significant side effects.









Some people need to restrict supplementary doses to 5 larvaeThe 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. or less
Some self-treaters have found that they need to continue to use very small doses, and that these provide them with all the benefits they require. This is particularly true for those on the hypersensitivity spectrum, who should continue to inoculate with very low numbers for at least the first few doses, and possibly indefinitely.





A few people may need to pause treatment after just one or two doses
Not everyone needs to add supplementary doses routinely every 12 weeks, and doing this can prove counter-productive for some hypersensitive individuals.



Dosing in the long term
HookwormA 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. survival
The length of time that hookwormA 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. hosts can go between doses in the long term depends on three factors.
- The rate of attrition, which is dependent on the strength of the host’s unique immune response to helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths]. This is greatest in people with IBDInflammatory bowel disease is a group of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the colon and small intestine. The major types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). and other intestinal disorders involving inflammation, and is partly determined by host genetics. [121] [122]. (The authors of one very small study that was reported in 2001 hypothesised that the longevity of adult hookwormsA 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. is probably determined more by parasiteAn organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits at the host’s expense. (The organisms used in helminthic therapy are, strictly speaking, not parasites, but mutualists, because they have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their hosts.) genetics than by host immunity. [123] However, this opinion was based on research carried out in a far smaller sample than that available in the helminthic therapyThe 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. community, where many hundreds of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus self-treaters have inoculated with larvaeThe 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. from the same stock, but reported losing their worms after widely differing lengths of time. This strongly suggests that host immunity is the major determinant of hookwormA 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. longevity.)
- The extent of any use of substances that impact the health of the worms. For details of these, see the Human helminth care manual.
- The number of hookwormsA 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. that were previously inoculated may also affect the length of time before symptoms begin to return.
HookwormsA 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. are reported to survive for 3-10 years [124] but to be capable of living for up to 15 years, [125] and possibly even 18 years. [126] A few hookwormA 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. self-treaters have been able to enjoy remission from their diseases for more than 5 years after a single inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation].

However, the experience of most self-treaters suggests that hookwormsA 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. typically only survive for between 1 and 3 years.

Some hosts, especially those with digestive diseases, can lose their hookwormsA 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. in as little as 2 or 3 months.
Long-term dosing is based on individual user experience
HookwormA 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. hosts should keep a record of the size and dates of all their doses while they are gradually introducing larvaeThe 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. within their individual tolerance. Once they have achieved remission, they should pause dosing and note the length of time that it takes between their last inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] and the reappearance of symptoms of their disease. This will provide the best guide to the frequency with which they will need to re-inoculate in the long term in order to maintain uninterrupted remission.




People who have several conditions may find that, when their colony begins to need reinforcements, symptoms of these conditions may begin to return at different stages. As soon as there is an indication that one condition is returning, and it is clear that the symptoms are not being caused by something else, a top-up dose is likely to be required.

Waiting until disease symptoms begin to return is not usually a problem with hookwormsA 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. because attrition is a gradual process, and a proportion of the colony should still be alive when symptoms begin to reappear. These existing residents will usually maintain a degree of immune modulation while a new cohort becomes established, and will themselves be perked up by the arrival of the newcomers, with the result that most people see a fairly rapid return of full benefits.
Once it has been established how long a dose will last (this may vary somewhat according to the size of the dose), future top-up doses should be added in time to prevent a recurrence of symptoms, and a reminder to do this should be set in a diary or phone. Otherwise, mild symptoms may not be recognised as an indication of the need to top up one's colony and could be overlooked, with the result that the self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance. might find themselves in desperate need of a dose.

Long-term dosing in practice
After a period of personal experimentation, the majority of hookwormA 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. hosts settle on a long-term re-inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] rate equivalent to 1 or 2 larvaeThe 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. per week, added at intervals ranging from weekly to twice each year, e.g., 1 or 2 weekly, 2-4 fortnightly, 4-8 monthly, 12-25 quarterly, or 25-50 every six months. A few outliers at either end of the spectrum find that they need to add the equivalent of only 1 larvaThe 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. every 2 weeks, or as many as 5 larvaeThe 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. each week, but with a maximum of 50 larvaeThe 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. per dose.
The following comments illustrate the range of dose sizes and dosing frequency being used, and show that many self-treaters top up at least every 3-6 months.
12 months
Unless I take something that kills them, I probably only need 3 or so, once a year. [136]5-6 months
I inoculate with 15 each 5 months, because I swear my baseline symptoms start to return at about 6 months post-inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation]. [137]I need to re-dose every 20 weeks. If I wait longer, symptoms return and I go through worm fluThe term commonly used to describe the set of symptoms sometimes experienced initially after inoculation with helminths (especially the hookworm, NA). Some of these symptoms mirror those caused by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza influenza] - fever, cough, respiratory symptoms, chills, muscle or joint ache, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. again (though diminished). If I re-dose every 20 weeks, results are more consistent. [138]I need 25 every six months.I inoculate with 30 about every 6 months. [139]I need to take 50 every 6 months.3-4 months
I find 1-3 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus ok. Five is ok if (my colony is) low. But more than that I have symptoms... I will probably do 2 every 3 months as a topup. [140]I dose 20 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus at about 3 month Intervals. [141]I need 25 every 3 months. [142]I have to redose every three months also. 35 is my magic number. [143]I take 40 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 3 months. [144]I now take about 7-10 hookwormsA 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. every 3-4 months. [145]2-3 months
I tried 20 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 3 months - it gave me worm fluThe term commonly used to describe the set of symptoms sometimes experienced initially after inoculation with helminths (especially the hookworm, NA). Some of these symptoms mirror those caused by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza influenza] - fever, cough, respiratory symptoms, chills, muscle or joint ache, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.. Now i've gone to 10 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 2 months, and it seems to work better for me personally. [146]I need 40 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 8 weeks, for now. [147]I do best at 2-3 month redoses. If I wait longer, I wish I hadn't. [148]I now dose with 40 every 2.5 months. I need a frequent high dose to keep my Crohn's under control. [149]1-2 months
My brother is now doing 3 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 4 weeks and that seems to be good for him as at 10-12 weeks he has return of symptoms. [150]I do 5 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 7 weeks. If I do it more often, I feel sick and flared up. If I space it out more, my autoimmune symptoms return. I listen to my body and this is what it needs at this point. I journal my symptoms so I’m able to see the patterns. [151]1-2 weeks
Several people who began to increase the frequency of doses, while reducing the number of larvaeThe 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. in each dose, have continued this process until they were dosing every one or two weeks. Someone who is treating ankylosing spondylitis went first from dosing quarterly to adding 10-15 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every other month. [152] Then, finally, he changed to adding 6 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every two weeks. [153]
Another self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance., who had begun dosing with 30 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus every 6 months, changed to 5 every month.
I've found that this new schedule is much better at keeping my sinuses clear. I'm beginning to think that the number of larvaThe 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. is much less important than the frequency of inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation]. [154]After noting the improvements gained from more frequent dosing, he adopted a fortnightly regimen.
I've recently started 2-3 hookwormA 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. every 2 weeks and am getting much better results than I did with 30 every 6 months. [155] [156]And he has since changed to weekly dosing with just one larvaThe 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 additional exposure to migrating larvaeThe 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. facilitated by more frequent inoculations may provide increased immune stimulation.
… the larval phase of infection rather than the persisting egg-laying adult worms may be largely responsible for the cytokine production and so responders may be the more frequently/more recently exposed individuals. [157]
Trickle dosing, and sensitisation to NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus
In his book, An Epidemic of Absence, Moises Velasquez-Manoff mentions that light, transitory, hookwormA 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. infections may prime allergic disease, and some other commentators have suggested that trickle dosing with hookwormsA 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. (adding one or two larvaeThe 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. every week or fortnight) could present a potential risk of increased sensitisation to them, perhaps reducing the maximum number that can successfully colonise. However, feedback from self-treaters suggests that frequent dosing does not cause sensitisation, but that the addition of too many worms too quickly can do, especially in hypersensitive individuals.

The individual whose experience is described in this last quote has also found that inoculating with 8-10 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus larvaeThe 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. every 6-8 weeks also results in sensitisation to the worms, and foods begin to cause the symptoms that she experienced prior to first using NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, and which she associates with allergy: brain fog, blurry vision, tiredness, grumpyness and lack of motivation. If she is tested at that point with a vial of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus larvaeThe 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., using Applied Kinesiology [159], her muscles will invariably be found to be weak, suggesting that she has become allergic to the hookwormsA 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.. Treatment using NAET [160] [161][162] will usually restore normal muscle function, but, if retesting 24 hours later finds that her muscles are still weak, a second NAET treatment will be undertaken, and this invariably restores the benefits she usually enjoys as a result of hosting hookwormsA 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 risk of sensitisation to hookwormsA 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. is likely to be highest in hypersensitive subjects and those with allergies, and this is one reason why it is important to start hookwormA 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. therapy with no more than 5 larvaeThe 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. (just 3 for the hypersensitive and those with certain other conditions), and then to increase the size of supplementary doses very gradually so that any side effects that do develop will appear at a manageable rate rather than become suddenly so severe that termination is needed, or NAET treatment is required by those with access to this modality.
It might be assumed that those who choose to dose every week or fortnight would have an almost continuous rash, but the rash caused by 1-3 larvaeThe 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. is usually minimal. [163]

Dose size and frequency may need adjustment over time
Reactions to helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths] may change over time, requiring some adjustment to dosing.

Some people may even experience seasonal changes in their response that also require adjustments to dosing.

Colony size
It is impossible to determine how many hookwormsA 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. are being hosted at any given time because there is no reliable test for this. Neither can the size of a colony be ascertained by adding up the doses that have been inoculated previously, because attrition is constantly taking its toll on intestinal worms, killing them at widely varying rates in different individuals. So, rather than aiming for any notional colony size, the best approach is for individuals to observe their response to each of the doses they add over time and to use this knowledge to determine what size and frequency of top-up doses will enable them to keep their disease in remission.

Since a few hookwormA 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. hosts may not achieve remission for up to 2 years, it may not be possible for them to see any obvious connection during this time between the number of worms inoculated and their effects, so a lack of benefits within this period may not necessarily indicate a need to add more worms. However, people with a higher attrition rate may lose their worms long before they reach 2 years, so it is essential during this period to maintain the colony by adding supplementary doses as discussed above.
Some people do extremely well with a relatively small number of hookwormsA 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..



Others have claimed they needed to establish a colony of between 100 and 150, and even as many as 200 hookwormsA 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.. However, since there is no reliable way to establish how many worms are being hosted, and since attrition rates very widely between individuals, it cannot be assumed that someone who has inoculated with 4 doses of 25 NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus over a year will have a colony of 100 at the end of that period. Any improvement in such cases may actually have been the result of the gradually increasing period of time that these individuals had been hosting worms, rather than their number. It is known that, in some cases, benefits can continue to accrue during the first two years, even after starting with only a small dose and without any supplementary doses.
Overdosing on hookwormsA 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.
There is a risk that attempting to increase the size of a colony without an obvious need to do so may cause a loss of benefits.



This loss of benefits as a result of exceeding a personal dosing limit is seen particularly, but not exclusively, in those on the hypersensitivity spectrum.

In addition to a loss of benefits caused by overdosing on hookwormsA 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., there can also be excessive side effects.

In some cases, side effects - especially diarrhoea - can persist for some time after a colony has been terminated.
Reducing the size of a hookwormA 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. colony
If too many worms have been added, resulting in unmanageable side effects, it may not be necessary to terminate the entire colony. Carrying out a partial cull should reduce the severity of the side effects while leaving some worms to continue the therapy.
A partial cull can be achieved by using any of the substances categorised in the Human helminth care manual as being potentially lethal to human helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths] (marked with an ❌), although the effects of these substances will not be as predictable as those of an anthelminthic drug. The details on the Terminating a helminth infection page can be used to tailor a cull to meet the individual self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance.’s particular needs. For example, a single 500mg dose of mebendazole may kill approximately 30% of a colony of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and, if this doesn't provide sufficient relief from the side effects, further doses of the drug can be taken as required.
Is there a constitutive limit on colony size?
Croese, et al., observed that the size of hookwormA 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. colony returned to the pre-inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] level by week 21 and, even though this study using capsule endoscopyExamination using an endoscope - an instrument used to view the interior of a hollow organ or cavity within the body. had involved only two subjects, it’s authors opined that there is a colony size status quo that is constitutively set by the host.
This assertion by Croese, et al., appears to be contradicted by the findings of more recent studies in which hookwormA 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. colonies observed in patients were described as "massive".
There may also be different degrees of predisposition to hookwormA 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. infection in different groups, e.g., young/old, male/female, [175] and other influences on colony size may include blood group. [176]
Before these more recent studies were published, the earlier paper by Croese, et al., had prompted the following discussion in one of the helminthic therapyThe 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. support groups.
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If this is the rule for hookwormA 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., though, such that a dose of 15 or 50 or 100 or repeated top up doses all result in the same worm load, I wonder how to account for a few things from the historical record.
1) The Italians building the Gotthard tunnel in the late 19th century - they not only got very sick, but many of them died of congestive heart failure. If the worm load is independent of repeated doses and only depends on the individual's predetermined load based on genetics or whatever, what would explain such an epidemic? The tunnel workers likely mostly already had hookwormA 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. (how else would it have got into the tunnel in the first place?), so if repeated doses did not increase their loads, why did they go from asymptomatic as a group to sick enough to lead to the discovery of ADAncylostoma duodenale. A species of roundworm, aka the Old World hookworm, that is not suitable for use in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancylostoma_duodenale Wikipedia:Ancylostoma duodenale]?
2) I have the same question for the history of the southern US and NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus. HookwormA 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. overloading due to repeated dosing was supposed to be significant enough to cause anemia in enough people to decimate the economy and motivate founding of the rockefeller commission to combat it. Moreover, if repeated dosing does not increase the worm load for most of the population, why was the rockefeller solution, which primarily involved latrines to limit re-infection, so effective that the whole economy was successfully recovered. They did not give everyone multiple doses of mebendazole, so it's not like hookwormA 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. was being eliminated. The effect could only be due to reduced worm loads. If the ultimate equilibrium load is not affected by repeated dosing, how can it then go down so profoundly merely be stopping the repeat dosing?
If either hookwormA 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. species really behaves in such a benign way, it would also be unique among parasiticAn organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits at the host’s expense. (The organisms used in helminthic therapy are, strictly speaking, not parasites, but mutualists, because they have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their hosts.) eukaryotes.
I suppose it's also possible that even if the adult equilibrium population is independent of dosing magnitude and frequency, that the therapeutic effect may still depend more on how many helminthsAn intestinal worm which grows large enough to be seen with the naked eye when mature but which is microscopic when administered in helminthic therapy. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminths Wikipedia:Helminths] you are dosed with than how many survive.
Then the situation with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus would be more analogous to TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis - in TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis it the immune response to the attempted infestation that must be doing the trick as there is no persistent infection with adult TSthe porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis? The effects we get with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus may be similarly be related to the transit of larvaeThe 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.
So it does not follow that even if equilibrium worm load remains the same that it is useless to top up or that larger doses are not more effective.
But I still am skeptical that worm load is a zero order function with respect to dose magnitude and frequency. I'm sure it's not perfectly linear, but there is no other way to account for populations being devastated by poor sanitation than that there is some increase in load with increasing area under the curve for dose....
There is a way that I might trust to actually count worms and it would not be that hard to do. One could make a monoclonal antibody to NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and then bind it to radioactive technetium. Lay down under a gamma camera and you might be able to resolve the number of worms if they were somewhat spread out.
I am a bit skeptical that a pill cam will see them all, given the size of colonic lesions I've seen missed by colonoscopy.
And then there is the Pritchard dose ranging study. Although the numbers were small, the people getting larger doses were pretty reliably sicker and had larger immune responses to match. One would have to believe that the worms were having attrition well after the establishment of enteritis-causing adults in the gut - an attrition that is proportional to the initial dose. More than proportional to the initial dose, actually.
IOW, the immune response is more than proportional to the initial dose, but does not prevent adults attaching to the mucosa long enough to cause eosinophilic enteritis.
And then one would have to further believe that most of the adults attached to the mucosa are then later successfully eliminated, and that the higher the initial dose, the higher fraction of worms are killed by the immune system. Otherwise, the higher the initial dose, the higher the ultimate worm load and we are back to square one.JL

MDDoctor of Medicine (MD, from the Latin Medicinæ Doctor meaning "Teacher of Medicine").

So if we are capable of limiting HWhookworm, usually referring to the human hookworm, Necator americanus number it is clear that even in someone who was malnourished the presence of approx 20 HWhookworm, usually referring to the human hookworm, Necator americanus is going to have almost no effect, therefore either the observation that HWhookworm, usually referring to the human hookworm, Necator americanus have historically been a major cause of morbidity and mortality is incorrect, and people were developing anaemia and other health problems attributed to HWhookworm, usually referring to the human hookworm, Necator americanus but actually due to other causes.
Or final HWhookworm, usually referring to the human hookworm, Necator americanus numbers are a direct result of the number of exposures and there is no limiting factor to the final population, allowing numbers that are large enough to cause or contribute to pathology. If this is the case, which I believe it is, there must simply be some factor or variable in Croese's experiments that resulted in numbers being limited. Just because something gets into print does not mean that it is not open to mistakes (experimental) and misinterpretation of experimental data.Colony collapse
Occasionally, hookwormA 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. hosts may experience the total loss of their colony, possibly as a result of taking certain antibiotics or consuming one of the other substances that are capable of harming hookwormsA 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.. (For more details, see the Human Helminth Care Manual.) Colony collapse is uncommon, as is the need to deliberately terminate a colony and start over, but, if it does occur, disease symptoms may return rapidly.



Some subjects have reported a more gradual loss of benefits after a colony collapse, this difference perhaps being due to these individuals having hosted worms for a longer period.


When a colony is lost before any benefits have been experienced, the host may not know that their worms have succumbed. This is one reason why it's important to continue to add supplementary doses at 12 week intervals until benefits have become obvious.
In the absence of any existing worms to modulate the immune response to a replacement dose following a colony collapse, this dose should be of an appropriately limited size, perhaps similar to the dose that was used at the very beginning of treatment, if this proved to be effective without causing undue side effects.
A full return of benefits may take a while, and the length of time varies between individuals.




Some benefits may return more quickly than others.


HookwormA 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. dosing in children
Children are usually introduced to hookwormsA 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. with a first dose of 3, or possibly 5, larvaeThe 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., but no more than 3 if they have one of the conditions that require a modified approach to helminth dosing.
Based on the child’s experience with the first dose, subsequent doses can be increased gradually, if required, using the approach described above in the Supplementary doses section.
Some children may eventually be able to tolerate doses of up to 25 larvaeThe 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., and might benefit from being given these larger numbers, once they have an established hookwormA 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. colony.

Also see the following page.