Chapter
The War on Hookworms: A Parasitic Worm May Help Control the Human Immune System
40:45 - 50:46 (10:01)
About 740 million people around the world have hookworm infections, with pregnant women being one of the worst groups affected. The theory is that parasitic worms prevent the human immune system from overreacting.
Clips
There are up to 740 million people with hookworm infections around the world, with pregnant women and children being at the highest risk.
40:45 - 43:47 (03:02)
Summary
There are up to 740 million people with hookworm infections around the world, with pregnant women and children being at the highest risk. The prevalence of these infections, especially in the conditions similar to the American South 100 years ago, shows it still being a significant problem.
ChapterThe War on Hookworms: A Parasitic Worm May Help Control the Human Immune System
EpisodeSelects: Southerners Aren't Lazy and Dumb, They Just Had Hookworm
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Hookworms are difficult to eradicate, with only a 5% decline in cases despite treatment of 450 million people.
43:47 - 47:26 (03:39)
Summary
Hookworms are difficult to eradicate, with only a 5% decline in cases despite treatment of 450 million people. The two main medications used to treat hookworm work by preventing the hookworms from creating ATP or absorbing nutrients, but a lack of public attention also hinders eradication efforts.
ChapterThe War on Hookworms: A Parasitic Worm May Help Control the Human Immune System
EpisodeSelects: Southerners Aren't Lazy and Dumb, They Just Had Hookworm
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The absence of parasitic worms in the human body may cause autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or Crohn's.
47:26 - 50:46 (03:19)
Summary
The absence of parasitic worms in the human body may cause autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or Crohn's. The presence of these worms prevents the immune system from overreacting, according to a parasitic worm specialist.