Evidence supporting the use of: Ancylostoma brasiliense
For the health condition: Autoimmune Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ancylostoma brasiliense, a species of hookworm, has been studied in the context of "helminth therapy" for autoimmune and allergic disorders. The rationale is based on the "hygiene hypothesis," which suggests that lack of exposure to certain pathogens and parasites in developed countries may contribute to the rise in autoimmune and allergic diseases. Helminths, including A. brasiliense, have evolved mechanisms to modulate and suppress their host's immune responses, potentially reducing harmful inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders.

While most clinical trials to date have focused on Necator americanus and Trichuris suis, there is some preclinical and limited clinical investigation involving Ancylostoma species. Evidence from animal models shows that infection with A. brasiliense can reduce severity in models of colitis and asthma by skewing immune responses toward a Th2 profile and increasing regulatory T cell activity. However, controlled human studies with A. brasiliense are scarce, and its use is largely experimental, limited by ethical and safety concerns regarding deliberate hookworm infection.

Overall, the scientific rationale exists, and there is moderate evidence from animal studies and mechanistic research, but robust clinical trial data in humans is lacking. The evidence rating of 3 reflects promising preclinical data but insufficient high-quality human evidence to fully support its use in treating autoimmune disorders.

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