Difference between revisions of "Selecting a therapeutic helminth"
m (→TSO (Trichuris suis ova)) |
m (→Considerations when choosing a therapeutic helminth) |
||
(8 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
Food intolerance - '''NA''' / TSO / HDC<br> | Food intolerance - '''NA''' / TSO / HDC<br> | ||
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - '''TSO''' / '''NA''' / '''HDC'''<br> | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - '''TSO''' / '''NA''' / '''HDC'''<br> | ||
− | Lichenoid eruption, Lichen planus - '''TSO'''<br> | + | Lichenoid eruption, Lichen planus, Lichen ruber - '''TSO'''<br> |
Lupus - '''TSO''' / '''NA'''<br> | Lupus - '''TSO''' / '''NA'''<br> | ||
Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting (RRMS) - '''NA''' / TSO / HDC<br> | Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting (RRMS) - '''NA''' / TSO / HDC<br> | ||
Line 139: | Line 139: | ||
although the extent of its effect is dependent on the sub-type of autism exhibited, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1031021503620471/] and NA is reportedly helpful in addressing some of the medical co-morbidities that accompany autism. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/806465786076045/?comment_id=806903232698967&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D] TSO has been reported to | although the extent of its effect is dependent on the sub-type of autism exhibited, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1031021503620471/] and NA is reportedly helpful in addressing some of the medical co-morbidities that accompany autism. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/806465786076045/?comment_id=806903232698967&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D] TSO has been reported to | ||
efficiently dampen allergic airway hyper-reactivity [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25069662] and has been claimed to be very effective in the treatment of food and contact allergies, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/862220600500563/?comment_id=864094833646473&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] although less effective than NA against seasonal allergies. | efficiently dampen allergic airway hyper-reactivity [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25069662] and has been claimed to be very effective in the treatment of food and contact allergies, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/862220600500563/?comment_id=864094833646473&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] although less effective than NA against seasonal allergies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | TSO does not work as quickly when taken by someone who has previously used NA, so anyone who is unsure which helminth species to use should ideally start with TSO, then add, or switch to, NA, if necessary, at a later date. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/3524794437576486?comment_id=3524837304238866] | ||
Approximately 80% of people who take at least one full course of TSO (10 doses, one of which is taken every 2 weeks) may achieve disease remission and, according to the producer of TSO, around 60% of these subjects will continue to experience remission for between 1 and 3 years. This was demonstrated by the experience of one TSO user. | Approximately 80% of people who take at least one full course of TSO (10 doses, one of which is taken every 2 weeks) may achieve disease remission and, according to the producer of TSO, around 60% of these subjects will continue to experience remission for between 1 and 3 years. This was demonstrated by the experience of one TSO user. | ||
Line 276: | Line 278: | ||
===Combining two species=== | ===Combining two species=== | ||
− | Exposure to two worm species at the same time may promote even stronger immunological regulation [http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/197/8/1204.full.pdf] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22035877] and this has been confirmed by self-treaters. | + | There are several reasons why self-treaters might consider adding a second species. |
+ | |||
+ | ====To speed up the initial response to helminthic therapy==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Starting with a non-human helminth species - either TSO or HDC - could help to ensure a more rapid response in preparation for eventual long-term therapy with either NA or TT. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quote|indent}}I do think starting with TSO is great because you get a therapeutic colony right away. Also, I think having the TSO on board minimizes side effects from the human worms.” [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/897464293642860/?comment_id=897492276973395&offset=0&total_comments=3&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | However, introducing two species together when first beginning helminthic therapy can result in greatly increased side effects. | ||
+ | * [[Helminth inoculation#The first inoculation should be with a single species | '''The first inoculation should be with a single species''']] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====To increase benefits==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Exposure to two worm species at the same time - provided that one of these has already been established - may promote even stronger immunological regulation [http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/197/8/1204.full.pdf] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22035877] and this has been confirmed by self-treaters. | ||
{{Quote|indent}}HDC and NA make a powerful combo for me that reduces symptoms even more than NA alone. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1582543915134891/?comment_id=1582861648436451&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | {{Quote|indent}}HDC and NA make a powerful combo for me that reduces symptoms even more than NA alone. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1582543915134891/?comment_id=1582861648436451&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
Line 284: | Line 299: | ||
{{Quote|indent}}I use both NA and HDC and find that they affect me in different ways. NA affects my hormones (period symptoms change), dental health (less inflammation), and skin (less keratosis pilaris). The HDC affects my mental health, which is the main thing I was hoping to address. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/2319906524731956/?comment_id=2338315196224422&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | {{Quote|indent}}I use both NA and HDC and find that they affect me in different ways. NA affects my hormones (period symptoms change), dental health (less inflammation), and skin (less keratosis pilaris). The HDC affects my mental health, which is the main thing I was hoping to address. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/2319906524731956/?comment_id=2338315196224422&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
− | + | When combining two species, it may not be necessary to dose both of them at the same level. For example, if adding TSO to an existing colony of NA, additional benefits may be gained by using only very small doses of TSO. Even a dose of 250 TSO, taken once every 2 weeks, can deliver significant additional benefits to hosts of other species. | |
− | + | Small doses of TSO can be created easily by dividing the contents of a bottle containing a larger dose, as is explained at the following link. | |
− | + | * [[Self-treating with TSO#Dividing doses | '''Dividing doses''']] | |
− | + | ====To reduce the attrition of another species==== | |
− | + | One particular benefit provided by hosting a second species of therapeutic helminth is that this may help to reduce the increased attrition sometimes experienced in cases where subjects have a disease affecting the preferred location of the worm species they are already using. For example, subjects with Crohn’s disease are susceptible to inflammation in the small intestine, which is where NA resides, with the result that this species can have more difficulty attaching in order to feed. Consequently, they tend not to survive in Crohn’s patients for as long as they might do in hosts with other diseases. | |
− | |||
− | + | It may therefore be advantageous for Crohn’s sufferers to host a second species that lives elsewhere, such as TT or TSO, both of which live in the colon. Similarly, subjects using TT to treat colitis may have difficulty maintaining a whipworm colony due to colonic inflammation hampering attachment by these worms, in which case they might benefit from also hosting NA which contribute systemic inflammation control. | |
− | + | ====To offset the effects of a sudden loss of human worms==== | |
− | TSO or HDC could be useful to hosts of NA if their colony were to sustain accidental losses, for example following the use of some types of antibiotic | + | TSO or HDC could be useful to hosts of NA if their colony were to sustain accidental losses, for example following the use of some types of antibiotic or after inadvertently ingesting a food or other substance with anthelminthic effects. |
{{Quote|indent}}… what really helped her … was 2 doses of TSO that she had while waiting for the (hookworm) colony to start working again. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1005760636146558/]{{Quote|/indent}} | {{Quote|indent}}… what really helped her … was 2 doses of TSO that she had while waiting for the (hookworm) colony to start working again. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1005760636146558/]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quote|indent}}4 days after swallowing a small dose of TSO (250 ova), I am feeling much more relieved of my diarrhea, which had been punishing me for 2 or 3 months, since I accidentally ingested coconut oil, which probably killed a good part of my NA colony. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/3485534124835851/]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | TSO is ideal for this purpose since, unlike HDC, this organism remains viable for years if kept in a refrigerator. A supply of TSO can therefore be kept in reserve by users of NA to provide assurance that they will never be without the benefits of worms. | ||
+ | |||
{{Quote|indent}}Keeping TSO on hand to bridge the gap while rebuilding a (hookworm) colony works for me too. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1005760636146558/?comment_id=1005936292795659&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | {{Quote|indent}}Keeping TSO on hand to bridge the gap while rebuilding a (hookworm) colony works for me too. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1005760636146558/?comment_id=1005936292795659&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
− | Keeping a different species of worm in reserve may not be necessary for users of TT if they are dosing on a regular basis, | + | |
+ | Keeping a different species of worm in reserve may not be necessary for users of TT, if they are dosing on a regular basis, because they will usually have a supply of TTO in their fridge that they can reach for if required. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====To modulate the severity of an NA inoculation rash==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | One NA host has found that taking a small dose of 250 TSO two hours before inoculating with NA reduces his skin response to the hookworms, perhaps by distracting his immune system from the activity at the inoculation site. For how to divide the contents of a bottle of TSO to create small doses, see the details at the following link. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[Self-treating with TSO#Dividing doses | '''Dividing doses''']] | ||
+ | |||
+ | Two more NA hosts have found that, while regularly taking 250 TSO every 2 weeks, their NA inoculation rashes have resolved much more quickly. They both commented, in particular, on a marked shortening of the oozing stage. | ||
+ | |||
+ | And a fourth self-treater has had success with even a very small dose of TSO. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quote|indent}}I’ve found that a small dose of TSO dulls the rash considerably (anywhere from 25+ ova). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/3570870686302194/?comment_id=3572108062845123&reply_comment_id=3572847196104543]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Combining two species may not benefit everyone==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quote|indent}}I tried HDC in addition to NA several times and didn't have much success; in fact, I believe it twice triggered flares… I have had very positive experiences with NA alone. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1878874945501785/?comment_id=1878957405493539&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Quote|indent}}I went off NA because it was not getting me all the way to remission and combining it with other kinds of worms, either TSO or HDC, was just creating a situation where I got side effects and my arthritis would start flaring up again. So it seems taking two kinds of worms just doesn't work for me. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/3524794437576486/?comment_id=3525341660855097&reply_comment_id=3527018907354039]{{Quote|/indent}} | ||
===Switching between two species=== | ===Switching between two species=== |
Latest revision as of 12:45, 27 February 2021
Contents
- 1 Considerations when choosing a therapeutic helminth
- 2 The scientific evidence
- 3 The anecdotal evidence
- 4 Comparing human helminths with non-human helminths
- 5 Hosting multiple worm species
- 5.1 Combining two species
- 5.1.1 To speed up the initial response to helminthic therapy
- 5.1.2 To increase benefits
- 5.1.3 To reduce the attrition of another species
- 5.1.4 To offset the effects of a sudden loss of human worms
- 5.1.5 To modulate the severity of an NA inoculation rash
- 5.1.6 Combining two species may not benefit everyone
- 5.2 Switching between two species
- 5.3 Combining three or more species
- 5.1 Combining two species
- 6 Obtaining helminths
- 7 See also
Considerations when choosing a therapeutic 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]
There is no single "best" worm or worm combination for all conditions, but some worms do have a better track record with certain diseases. [1]
Species shown in bold type are generally more likely to help, but this can vary between individuals.
Alopecia areata - HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis
Asthma - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis
Autism - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta (NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus may help with some of the co-morbidities of autism.)
Autoimmune diseases - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Allergies, contact - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Allergies, seasonal - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis
Allergies, food - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Celiac (coeliac) disease - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Colitis (ulcerative colitisUlcerative 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., pancolitis, Crohn's colitis) - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus
Crohn’s disease - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Gut microbiomeAll the microorganisms living in and on the body, or the genome of these microorganisms. "Microbiota" refers to the specific population of microorganisms living in a certain part of the body, such as the gut. These two terms are often used interchangeably. disruption due to chemotherapy. TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis [2]
Eczema - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Fatigue - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis
Food intolerance - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBSIrritable bowel syndrome is a widespread condition involving recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhoea or constipation. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_Bowel_Syndrome Wikipedia:Irritable Bowel Syndrome]) - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Lichenoid eruption, Lichen planus, Lichen ruber - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis
Lupus - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus
Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting (RRMS) - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Multiple sclerosis, progressive (PPMS and SPMS) - NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus / TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.) - HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus
Rheumatoid arthritis - TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus
- This page shows which worm species have been used by self-treaters reporting success with each of the listed conditions.
- Overcoming Evolutionary Mismatch by Self-Treatment with Helminths: Current Practices and Experience (PDF)
- Table 2 of this paper contains details about the effectiveness of each worm species in the treatment of the conditions listed, as reported by self-treaters who were surveyed in the study.
- Table 3 shows the percentage success rate of each worm species in the treatment of the listed conditions, based on information collected from publicly available sources.
- Table 2 of this paper contains details about the effectiveness of each worm species in the treatment of the conditions listed, as reported by self-treaters who were surveyed in the study.
Even with the benefit of the details presented above, personal experimentation may still be required in order to establish exactly which worm, or worm combination, will be best in the longterm for each self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance..

The further details presented below should provide additional help in selecting a worm to try first.
The scientific evidence
There have been no head-to-head clinical trials comparing any of the currently available therapeutic 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], and there may never be any, due to the extremely high cost of mounting such studies and the lack of incentive for anyone to fund them. There is also little scientific evidence for the efficacy of the individual 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] used in therapy, although almost all species of intestinal worm appear to be capable of producing beneficial effects.

In the groundbreaking Correale and Farez study of 2007 in patients with multiple sclerosis, (Abstract | PDF) all the 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]-infected subjects benefited, even though they had 5 different species of helminth between them. Therefore the type of worm used may not make a great deal of difference to the eventual outcome 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..
The only organism to be studied in the treatment of autoimmune disease in well designed trials at therapeutic doses is TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, and this has been shown to be safe and effective in ulcerative colitisUlcerative 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., [5] (PDF) promising in the management of Crohn's diseaseAlso known as regional enteritis, this is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody if inflammation is severe), vomiting or weight loss, but may also cause complications outside the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, inflammation of the eye, tiredness and lack of concentration. [6] as well as in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) [7] and also in dampening allergic airway hyper-reactivity. [8] TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis has also shown significant results in 70% of subjects with the inflammatory subtype of autism spectrum disorder (I-ASD) who took TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis in its original pH2.7 form. [9]
Several other trials of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis were conducted by the now defunct company, Coronado Biosciences, prior to the termination of its research programme early in 2015 following what appeared to be disappointing results. However, the apparent failure of these trials may have been due to poor trial design, including an inadequate duration of only 12 weeks and, in particular, the insistence by researchers on the use of a novel formulation of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis with a higher pH than the product that had been employed successfully in previous studies and used to good effect by many thousands of self-treaters for more than a decade. [10], [11]
The first trial of 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., NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, to be carried out over a sufficient period of time to allow the worms to mature and produce consistent therapeutic effects was completed in early 2016 at Nottingham University in subjects with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). [12]
There have been no clinical trials in humans using the other available therapeutic organisms, TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, although there was a detailed case study of an individual with ulcerative colitisUlcerative 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. who experienced almost complete remission of his symptoms after self-infecting with TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, [13] and a further case study showing several indicators of mucosal and systemic immune modulation following self infection with TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura. [14] A study in mice showed that Infection with HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta was superior to daily corticosteroids in the prevention of colitis in this species, and that this did not result in any additional side effects. [15]
The anecdotal evidence
While data from clinical trials is still limited, the anecdotal evidence gathered by the self-treaters who have pioneered 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. for more than a decade is already significant and compelling. See Helminthic therapy personal stories and the following paper.
- Overcoming Evolutionary Mismatch by Self-Treatment with Helminths: Current Practices and Experience (PDF)
Apart from this study, there is little recorded anecdotal evidence for TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, largely because users of these two organisms, and especially TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, have been much less active on 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. social media sites. In contrast, NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus has been discussed extensively online since 2007, and, to a lesser extent, TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, since 2009, originally on the Yahoo Helminthic Therapy Forum and, more recently, in the Facebook Helminthic Therapy Support Group.
NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus (Necator americanusThe species of human hookworm used in helminthic therapy. Its microscopic larvae are applied periodically to the skin.)

NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, which has the longest lifespan of the currently available therapeutic 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], produces powerful systemic immunomodulation and it’s use appears to be effective in approximately 70-80% of cases of autoimmune disease, inflammation and allergy. [17] [18] [19] The extent of its benefits can be seen in the hundreds of reports in the compilation of Helminthic therapy personal stories, most of which are from users of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus.
This organism causes a short-lived, but often itchy, rash at the inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] site in most subjects, and may produce a very pleasant, if brief, “bounce” in the first few weeks following inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation], as well as causing other well documented transient side effects during the first few months. (See The hookworm timeline) However, it does not cause any long-term ill effects.
Concern is sometimes expressed about the safety of self-infection with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, and it has been claimed that this species can act as a vector for pathogens and mis-migrate to organs outside the digestive tract, but neither of these claims is true. Nor is anaemia/anemia an issue for the vast majority of well-nourished NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus hosts, and the “tissue damage” caused by 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. needs to be seen in context. For more detail about all these issues, see The safety of NA.
For information about the use of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, see the following pages.
TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura (Trichuris trichiuraThe human whipworm used in helminthic therapy and taken periodically as microscopic eggs (TTO) in a drink. ova)
The colon-dwelling Trichuris trichiuraThe human whipworm used in helminthic therapy and taken periodically as microscopic eggs (TTO) in a drink., which has an effect that is less systemic than that of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and more localised in the colon, is most frequently employed in the treatment of ulcerative colitisUlcerative 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. and colonic Crohn’s disease. Its effect on these disorders may be related to its ability to reduce the inflammatory Bacteroides species which are thought to be involved in the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease. [20] Some people with these diseases seem to do well using TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura alone.

Others have found it best to combine TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus.



Some people have had more success using NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus alone.

Others have found the greatest benefit from using NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus supported by TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura.

A few people have felt less well after adding NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus on top of TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, [27] and a few others have reported being less well after adding TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura to an existing colony of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus. [28]
Some people who have tried both TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura and TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis have found the human species to be more effective.

Although TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura is used primarily in the treatment of diseases affecting the colon, and its systemic effect is less than that of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, its immune modulation can nevertheless produce benefits beyond the intestine, [30] so may assist in the remediation of diseases elsewhere in the body, in a way similar to how its close relative, TSthe porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis (Trichuris suisThe porcine (pig) whipworm used in helminthic therapy and taken as microscopic eggs (TSO) in a drink every two weeks., which also lives in the colon) is able to reduce the number of brain lesions in 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. patients. [31]
The following quote illustrates how TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura can provide additional benefits to someone who is already hosting NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus.

Since TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura produces significant changes in the composition and relative abundance of gut bacterial species, [33] it is possible that it may also help to ameliorate any condition that is driven by intestinal dysbiosis, such as obesity, diabetes (type I and type II), cancer and neurological disorders.
For information about the use of TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, see the following page.
TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis (Trichuris suisThe porcine (pig) whipworm used in helminthic therapy and taken as microscopic eggs (TSO) in a drink every two weeks. ova)
TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis has a localised effect in the colon [34] similar to that of TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, so is particularly effective in the treatment of diseases affecting this section of the intestine, such as ulcerative colitisUlcerative 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.. It has also proved to be effective against autoimmune disorders affecting other parts of the body, especially Lupus and Crohn’s disease [35] but may not be as effective against 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. as NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus. [36] TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis can also be effective in autism, [37][38][39] perhaps more so than any of the other worms, [40] although the extent of its effect is dependent on the sub-type of autism exhibited, [41] and NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus is reportedly helpful in addressing some of the medical co-morbidities that accompany autism. [42] TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis has been reported to efficiently dampen allergic airway hyper-reactivity [43] and has been claimed to be very effective in the treatment of food and contact allergies, [44] although less effective than NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus against seasonal allergies.
TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis does not work as quickly when taken by someone who has previously used NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, so anyone who is unsure which helminth species to use should ideally start with TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, then add, or switch to, NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, if necessary, at a later date. [45]
Approximately 80% of people who take at least one full course of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis (10 doses, one of which is taken every 2 weeks) may achieve disease remission and, according to the producer of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, around 60% of these subjects will continue to experience remission for between 1 and 3 years. This was demonstrated by the experience of one TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis user.

During this time, some users of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis may not need any further doses at all, while others might need to take a periodic maintenance dose, for example 500 TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis every month, [47] or every 2 months. [48] This has allowed some subjects to maintain remission for many years, although the level of success is likely to depend on the severity of a subject’s condition at the start of treatment. One individual with ulcerative colitisUlcerative 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. has reported being in remission for 9 years after taking a single course of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis during a clinical trial.
There are, however, some users of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis who do not continue to experience benefit after completing a course of 10 doses.

These individuals may need to maintain the treatment long-term.
For information about the use of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, see the following page.
HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta (Hymenolepis diminutaA murine (rat) tapeworm used in helminthic therapy that generally does not mature in humans and is taken as cysticerci (HDC) in a drink every 2 or 3 weeks. cysticercoids)
While anecdotal evidence about this latest addition to the list of therapeutic organisms is still limited in comparison with that available for NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, posts to 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. groups indicate that the HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta experience follows a similar course to that seen with other 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], beginning with the possibility of initial transient side effects and leading to eventual success in many cases.
As with the other therapeutic 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], HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta can cause initial side effects, some of which have been found to be quite challenging by a few users.

And it has been reported that approximately 1% of paediatric patients may experience severe gastrointestinal pains with the use of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, although these symptoms are resolved by the administration of an anthelminthic drug. [51]
A number of successes have been reported by HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta users, e.g.,

as well as some failures, e.g.,

There are reports from subjects who have previously used NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus that the effects of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta can be more gentle and subtle than those produced by 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 others have obtained more relief after adding, or switching to, NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus.

HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta users frequently report a welcome elevation in mood, especially in the first few days after inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation].

However, HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta can also have an adverse effect on mood.

As larger numbers have begun using HDCsHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, more reports of adverse side effects have emerged. These have revealed transient problems very similar to those seen 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 have also included reports of a need for larger doses once the “honeymoon period” of the first 6 months is over, and continuing into the long term.
The fact that a fresh dose of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta needs to be taken every two weeks, coupled with their very short shelf life, means that maintaining a regular dosing schedule can be an issue with this species.

More examples of users’ experience with HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta can be found in The HDC experience.
In June 2016, a researcher at Duke University commented that William Parker’s team had been unable to determine much difference between the effect of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta and TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis. [55]
For information about the use of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, see the following pages.
Comparing 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] with non-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]
NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura have both become very well adapted to living in humans during millions of years of cohabitation and coevolution with mankind. This longstanding relationship allows them to grow to maturity in the human gut and enter into an ongoing, dynamic, two-way chemical dialogue with their host’s immune system. The resulting immune modulation prevents the worms from being overwhelmed, and provides their host with benefits that are maintained for as long as the worms survive.
The survival of 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] depends to a large extent on the vigour of the host’s immune response. NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus is reported to survive for 3-10 years [56] [57] but to be capable of living for up to 15 years, [58] and possibly even 18 years. [59] However, in a few hosts, it may die in as little as three months. (For more about this, see Hookworm lifespan.) TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura can survive for more than 2 years, and occasionally in excess of 5 years. [60] There has even been one report of TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura showing up during colonoscopy 7 years after inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation], but they are more likely to die in under a year. [61]
TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta are both adapted to non-human species, the natural host of the former being the pig, and the latter normally being found in rats. As the human gut is an alien environment for both these organisms, they only survive in humans for a short time, typically just a couple of weeks, during which time the molecules they excrete/secrete distract the host’s immune system.
The fact that TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta rarely mature in humans has led some commentators to speculate that these nonhuman 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 not be as effective, therapeutically, as the human-adapted worms, NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, and it may be that helminth efficacy is enhanced in the case of mature, egg-producing worms. [62]
The view that human-adapted 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] such as NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura might be more effective, therapeutically, than nonhuman worms like TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, was discussed in detail in a support group thread. [63] This idea has also received support from William Parker, who has referred 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] as our true “old friends”, and TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta and other 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] that prefer non-human hosts as, at best, our "old semi-acquaintances".
People who have switched from using TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis to either NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus or TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura have often done so because they are much cheaper. However, many who have made this transition have subsequently commented that they have found the therapeutic benefits of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura to be greater than those of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis.




However, there are others whose experience has led them to prefer a non-human 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].

Response time
All four helminth species have shown themselves to be capable of producing surprisingly rapid results in some cases, although benefits rarely become consistent with the 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], NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, until at least 12 weeks after the first inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation].
Some self-treaters have reported that the non-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], TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, have produced benefits more rapidly than NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura.





While evidence from clinical trials is still lacking, feedback reported by one researcher and a commercial supplier of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta suggests that a significant proportion of people using this species seem to respond in days or weeks rather than months, and this provider advises clients that, if they have not experienced any benefit in 12-16 weeks, it is unlikely they will see a positive response.
However, HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta and TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis have not always delivered benefits so quickly.


And there are reports of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus delivering rapid benefits in some cases.


Shelf life
HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta. After extraction from beetles, HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta will not remain viable for more than 48 hours if kept in saline, but will survive for 2 to 3 weeks if stored in the special nutrient solution developed for this species by Biome RestorationAn alternative term for helminthic therapy that has been adopted by one helminth provider as the name of their business. [https://biomerestoration.com]. Unless such a solution is used, HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta deteriorate rapidly after extraction. Fresh HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta should therefore be used within 24 hours of being harvested - not 24 hours after receipt. For more detail, see Storage and survival of HDC.
NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus. 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. can survive for as long as 3-5 months if kept at a temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C), [77] [78] but, ideally, should be used as soon as they are available. L3 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. do not feed, so are reliant on their fat stores, which obviously diminish over time, rendering them progressively weaker. For more detail, see Storage and survival of hookworm larvae.
TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis / TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura. WhipwormA helminth with a tapering whiplike body that lives in the colon. In helminthic therapy, the microscopic eggs of either the human Trichuris trichiura (TTO) or pig Trichuris suis (TSO) are taken in a drink. ova (both TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura) can remain viable for a couple of years if stored in a refrigerator, so keeping a supply of these in reserve can be a useful insurance for users of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus against the loss of their colony, or an interruption in its benefits following the use of antibiotics. Since TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis usually produces results more rapidly than TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, this is the ideal species to keep for such an emergency.

Dosing frequency
The non-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] (TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis and HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta) need to be re-dosed every 2 or 3 weeks in most cases. A disadvantage of the need for such regular re-dosing is that self-treaters can forget to take doses, and a few HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta users have reported experiencing a return of symptoms as a result of deviating from the usual fortnightly dosing regimen. These include the mother of a child with Crohn’s disease who reported that her son began to bleed on two occasions as a result of delays in taking his doses of HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta. Others have reported suffering a sudden return of symptoms due to delays in taking HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta.


It is also possible to forget to re-dose with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura but, since human worms don’t usually all die at the same time, the return of symptoms in their case is normally much more gradual, so users of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus and TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura can forget about dosing until they begin to see a gradual return of the symptoms of their disease, which typically only occurs every few years.
Hosting multiple worm species
It is clear, both from scientific studies and the personal experience 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. self-treaters, that a single species of worm is all that is required in most cases to modulate host immunity and halt existing immune-related disorders, as well as protecting the host from the development of many other conditions associated with a helminth deficiency. And it has been shown that the beneficial effect 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] is not specific to any single helminth species. [82] However, different species of helminth can produce somewhat different effects.


It is possible that hosting one species of helminth might reduce a host's susceptibility to infection by other 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.), [85] although no difficulty has been reported by self-treaters in becoming infected by a second, or third, species of therapeutic 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].
Combining two species
There are several reasons why self-treaters might consider adding a second species.
To speed up the initial response to 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.
Starting with a non-human helminth species - either TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis or HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta - could help to ensure a more rapid response in preparation for eventual long-term therapy with either NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus or TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura.

However, introducing two species together when first 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. can result in greatly increased side effects.
To increase benefits
Exposure to two worm species at the same time - provided that one of these has already been established - may promote even stronger immunological regulation [87] [88] and this has been confirmed by self-treaters.

Combining two species can provide a greater range of benefits.

When combining two species, it may not be necessary to dose both of them at the same level. For example, if adding TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis to an existing colony of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus, additional benefits may be gained by using only very small doses of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis. Even a dose of 250 TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, taken once every 2 weeks, can deliver significant additional benefits to hosts of other species.
Small doses of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis can be created easily by dividing the contents of a bottle containing a larger dose, as is explained at the following link.
To reduce the attrition of another species
One particular benefit provided by hosting a second species of therapeutic helminth is that this may help to reduce the increased attrition sometimes experienced in cases where subjects have a disease affecting the preferred location of the worm species they are already using. For example, subjects with Crohn’s disease are susceptible to inflammation in the small intestine, which is where NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus resides, with the result that this species can have more difficulty attaching in order to feed. Consequently, they tend not to survive in Crohn’s patients for as long as they might do in hosts with other diseases.
It may therefore be advantageous for Crohn’s sufferers to host a second species that lives elsewhere, such as TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura or TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis, both of which live in the colon. Similarly, subjects using TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura to treat colitis may have difficulty maintaining a whipwormA helminth with a tapering whiplike body that lives in the colon. In helminthic therapy, the microscopic eggs of either the human Trichuris trichiura (TTO) or pig Trichuris suis (TSO) are taken in a drink. colony due to colonic inflammation hampering attachment by these worms, in which case they might benefit from also hosting NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus which contribute systemic inflammation control.
To offset the effects of a sudden loss of human worms
TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis or HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta could be useful to hosts of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus if their colony were to sustain accidental losses, for example following the use of some types of antibiotic or after inadvertently ingesting a food or other substance with anthelminthic effects.


TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis is ideal for this purpose since, unlike HDCHymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids (Hi-men-o-lep'is dim-a-nu-ta sis-ti-sur-koid) - the larval cysts of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, this organism remains viable for years if kept in a refrigerator. A supply of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis can therefore be kept in reserve by users of NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus to provide assurance that they will never be without the benefits of worms.

Keeping a different species of worm in reserve may not be necessary for users of TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, if they are dosing on a regular basis, because they will usually have a supply of TTOthe ova (eggs) of the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura in their fridge that they can reach for if required.
To modulate the severity of an NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] rash
One NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus host has found that taking a small dose of 250 TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis two hours before inoculating with NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus reduces his skin response 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., perhaps by distracting his immune system from the activity at the inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] site. For how to divide the contents of a bottle of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis to create small doses, see the details at the following link.
Two more NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus hosts have found that, while regularly taking 250 TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis every 2 weeks, their NAthe human hookworm, Necator americanus inoculationThe introduction of an infectious agent into an organism. [http://helminthictherapywiki.org/wiki/index.php/Helminth_inoculation Helminth inoculation] rashes have resolved much more quickly. They both commented, in particular, on a marked shortening of the oozing stage.
And a fourth self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance. has had success with even a very small dose of TSOthe ova (eggs) of the porcine (pig) whipworm, Trichuris suis.

Combining two species may not benefit everyone


Switching between two species
If switching from one species to another, there may be a hiatus in benefits until the new species is able to fully take control of immune modulation.

Because of this, it is advisable to maintain the existing dosing regimen for the established species until the new one ceases to cause any side effects.
It would also be advisable to initially limit the dose size of the new species to further minimise the risk of side effects.
Combining three or more species
Adding a third therapeutic helminth has worked well for one self-treaterSomeone who treats their own disease or condition without medical assistance..

There has been very little research into the results of hosting more than two species of helminth at one time, but, according to one study, the outcome of interactions between two 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.) species can be significantly modified by the addition of a third, and the consequences of this may not always be desirable. In this study, investigators were looking at the effects of co-infection by four gastrointestinal helminth species on the development of cerebral malaria among Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients, and they found that the addition of a third species led to a reduction in one of the benefits provided by an existing species.
The study found that, while infection by TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura and the non-therapeutic 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], AscarisA species of helminth that is unsuitable for helminthic therapy, e.g., [[Ascaris lumbricoides | Ascaris lumbricoides]]. lumbricoides, were both associated with direct reductions in cerebral malaria risk, this benefit of TTthe human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura infection was halved in the presence 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., revealing a strong indirect effect. [99]
Obtaining 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]
Newcomers to 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. will often ask in the support group for personal recommendations about the best place to buy 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], but purchasing worms for therapy needs to be approached on an individual basis.
None of the helminth providers sell all the available species, ship to all global destinations, or accept all payment options. And, while most sell individual doses, with discounts for purchasing multiple doses at one time, a few offer longer term contracts. Therefore, the details for each provider need to be carefully scrutinised before making a decision about which source to use.
See also
- ... weighing potential cost/benefit ratios of various 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] along with other factors, such as feasibility of production, we argue that the four 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] currently in use for CIAD treatments in humans were selected more by happenstance than by design, and that other candidates not yet tested may prove superior.