"IBD is a growing disease that is costly to the individual and society. The underlying premise of the hygiene hypothesis is that decreased microbial exposure in childhood may lead to the subsequent development of IBD appears to be plausible, although the strength of the evidence supporting this varies between many hygiene-related factors. Helminthic infection, H pylori exposure, antibiotic use, breastfeeding and sibship represent the most promising factors supporting the hygiene hypothesis in IBD, but carefully designed prospective evaluation is urgently needed." [Emphasis mine.]
"Helminths and the IBD hygiene hypothesis" in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2008)"In the 1990s we proposed the “IBD hygiene hypothesis.” It states that raising children in extremely hygienic environments negatively affects immune development, which predisposes them to immunological diseases like IBD later in life.1 Moreover, we proposed that the modern day absence of exposure to intestinal helminths is an important environmental factor contributing to IBD. Helminths regulate their host's immune system and prevent excessive immune responses.There is expanding epidemiological data pointing to a protective role for helminth infections in various immunological diseases. For instance, helminth infections inversely correlate with allergic disorders. ...
Epidemiological data supporting a role for helminth infection in protection from IBD is more circumstantial. There is a clear inverse correlation between the frequency of helminth infections and the prevalence of IBD. Direct proof of the concept that helminths acquired naturally protect humans from IBD remains sparse. Reports have now appeared showing IBD control after natural exposure to intestinal helminths.
There have been several clinical trials using helminths to treat IBD. Results from these trials suggest that infection with at least some human or animal helminths improves clinical outcome, which supports the premise that natural helminth infection is protective. ...
Worm-based therapies are under development at several pharmaceutical companies. Some laboratories are isolating agents from helminths that could prove useful as therapeutic agents.56–58 Others have developed pharmaceutical grade helminths that currently are under review at both the US and European food and drug administrations. ... Use of all new experimental therapies must proceed with caution. The vast majority of mild to moderate worm infestations rarely manifest as disease. While many helminths hold little pathogenic potential, others carry risk. ... Modern-day therapeutics for IBD have limited efficacy and are not without their danger. There may be little therapeutic risk using properly selected and administered helminths or their derivatives in our hygienic societies."
Worm-based therapies are under development at several pharmaceutical companies. Some laboratories are isolating agents from helminths that could prove useful as therapeutic agents.56–58 Others have developed pharmaceutical grade helminths that currently are under review at both the US and European food and drug administrations. ... Use of all new experimental therapies must proceed with caution. The vast majority of mild to moderate worm infestations rarely manifest as disease. While many helminths hold little pathogenic potential, others carry risk. ... Modern-day therapeutics for IBD have limited efficacy and are not without their danger. There may be little therapeutic risk using properly selected and administered helminths or their derivatives in our hygienic societies."
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