Experimental human hookworm infection: therapeutic potential

Abstract

There has been an increase in the number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases around the world, especially in developing countries. Helminths are masters of inducing an immune response that could potentially overcome those generated by unrelated host diseases. Hence, it is no surprise that there are studies focusing on using helminths to treat some of those diseases. This review focuses on the use of human hookworm Necator americanus as a treatment for some of the autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.