Summary

Original source:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/09/05/nworm05.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/09/05/ixhome.html

Details

• Researchers have used Schistosoma mansoni, flatworms responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in developing countries, to develop resistance to life-threatening allergic conditions.
• Many scientists believe there is a link between the disappearance of parasitic worms from modern, developed societies and dramatic increases in common allergies to foods such as peanuts and to dust mites, insect stings and cats in those countries.
• Britain has one of the highest rates of asthma in Europe, with 5.2 million people receiving treatment.
• Dr Padraic Fallon, a biochemist, will present research today at the British Association for the Advancement of Science festival in Dublin showing that parasitic worms could be used to develop treatments for a range of conditions.
• Dr Fallon, of the department of biochemistry at Trinity College in Dublin, said: "The reasons for the dramatic recent increase in allergic diseases are complex.
• "We believe a major factor is the reduction in parasitic worms and bacterial and viral infections in modern, 'clean' societies.
• At least 200,000 people in developing countries die each year through urinary system or liver damage, bladder tumours and bowel cancer caused by the condition.
• Previous research carried out in Gabon showed that children infected with parasites were less likely to suffer allergic reactions to house dust mites than those free of infection.
• Dr Fallon and colleagues used transgenic mice engineered to have a high susceptibility to asthma and anaphylaxis - severe allergic reactions such as those caused by insect stings, certain drugs, and foods such as peanuts or shellfish.
• Those given the parasites had substantially less pulmonary inflammation, and did not suffer the breathing difficulties of those without the flatworms.
• One suggested mechanism is that parasites can stimulate production of chemicals in the body of the host that can trigger anti-inflammatory processes.

Related Articles

Popular Topics: Asthma, Research, Parasites, Diabetes, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.naturalnews.com/012098_asthma_research_parasites.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. <a href = "http://www.naturalnews.com/012098_asthma_research_parasites.html">Flatworms considered as a future source for asthma treatments</a>
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber! Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more. Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.	Your Email Address: Free Subscription Code: Enter the numbers you see: 100% free of charge. Unsubscribe anytime. Absolutely no spam. We respect your email privacy.
Recommended Special Report: Seven Words that can Change the World by Joseph R. Simonetta Read this special report now... "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com	More on NaturalNews.com: • Streaming Health Ranger Videos • CounterThink Cartoons • FREE Special Reports • Podcasts