MS and hookworm

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Worms for immune regulation of multiple sclerosis

• IRAS ID

  3856

• Eudract number

  2008-005008-24

• ISRCTN Number

  N/A

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  N/A

• Research summary

  Studies have shown that there maybe an inverse relationship between infections with works including hookworks and inflammatory diseases including multiple Sclerosis (MS). This has been explained by a protective immune reaction that is triggered by the hookworm in the body that dampens inflammation. In mice with MS, infections with some mouse works reduced the inflammation and damage to their brain. The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether people with MS who are exposed to a small number of hookworks will develop this protective immune reaction that may reduce MS disease activity.In a study published by Argentinean MS specialists in 2007, people with MS who became naturally infected with works had a better course of the disease and fewer attacks than people who were not infected. This was due to the infection triggering a protective immune reaction that dampened the inflammation of MS. We are trying to see whether the controlled exposure to a small number of tiny hookworks can lead to the same level of protective immune reaction.

• REC name

  East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  11/EM/0140

• Date of REC Opinion

  7 Jul 2011

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion