Monday, September 7, 2009
Excellent article on the human immune system, and how a huge population genetics study proves parasites have evolved with us to shape it. A quote:
“Sironi and Fumagalli’s data suggest that our immune systems have co-evolved with parasitic worms—living alongside helminthes for millions of years has shaped the way our immune systems react to pathogens, through [...]
I found a few case studies highlighting the potential dangers of helminthic therapy. These are probably rare, hence case studies, but I would like to be advised of the negative potential of any therapy I was considering before trying it. I was also told once by a helminth immunologist that in the mouse model, those [...]
3 new reviews in Immunology on how helminths are part of the missing link epidemiologically, along with certain other infections, and are probably the reason for the rise in autoimmunity, allergies, certain cancers, depression, nuerological diseases, and atherosclerosis. Click on the HTML or PDF link and you can read them in full.
Rook GAW; Review [...]
I’ve been wondering why there are so many false negatives when using standard ova tests that are offered through such labs as Quest, etc. This study shows that even waiting 3 hours between stool sample and test allows for a 50% loss of eggs, so I wonder if the sample is over 24 hours [...]
Light, long-lasting Necator infection in a volunteer.
Beaver PC.
School of Public Health, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112.
“A Necator infection produced by percutaneous exposure of a volunteer to three larvae was followed with periodic egg counts for 4 months beyond 18 years when passage of eggs in the feces ceased permanently. During the 2nd year of [...]