Parasites are less common in the United States, which may contribute to the higher incidence of MS in this country. However, some types of worms could possibly make MS worse, so more research is needed.
In animal models, there is a correlation between parasitic infections and autoimmune diseases such as MS, and these infections can cause modulation of the immune system, and consequently remitting the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Parasitic infections in humans are common, and many may affect the central nervous system where they may survive unnoticed or may cause significant pathology or even lead to the death of the host.
The parasite itself could be the cause of tissue destruction, thus releasing high amounts of self antigens which might stimulate the autoreactivity.
Now, a study led by Stanford Medicine researchers has proved that the Epstein-Barr virus, a common type of herpes virus, triggers multiple sclerosis by priming the immune system to attack the body's own nervous system.
Multiple sclerosis is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and nerves. It's not clear why this happens but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In people with MS, the body's immune system attacks the insulating layer that surrounds nerve cells, often killing the cells. The underlying cause of MS remains unknown. One possibility is that it's triggered by a viral infection. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been among the top suspects.
Common global water-related diseases caused by parasites include Guinea worm, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), and giardiasis.
X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, Computerized Axial Tomography scan (CAT)These tests are used to look for some parasitic diseases that may cause lesions in the organs.
Here are the most common symptoms: Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea or other symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You traveled internationally and got diarrhea on your trip.
Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is usually made by MRI or CT brain scans. Blood tests are available to help diagnose an infection, but may not always be accurate.
EPSTEIN – BARR VIRUS (EBV) AND MS
Close to 100% of the population in Western countries is infected with EBV and it remains latent in B cells [29] after primary infection.
The gut microbiome – millions of bacteria and other microbes that live in the intestines – is known to be altered in people with MS. A team from Rutgers University may have found how damaging immune activity in MS triggers these changes in gut bacteria.
Clostridium perfringens and epsilon toxin may explain many of these mysteries.” An environmental trigger is required for MS to occur in a genetically susceptible individual, and the abundance of epsilon toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens in people with MS suggests it could be the culprit.
Why? Most people do not know they are infected or at risk, or don't have access to appropriate care. And often, health care providers are unfamiliar with these parasitic infections, and may not diagnose or treat them appropriately.
Diarrhea. Nausea or vomiting. Gas or bloating. Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
Parasitic infections often cause intestinal illness, with symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. But they can also give you itchy skin rashes or infect other parts of your body, like your brain or lungs.
Nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flatworms) are among the most common helminths that inhabit the human gut. Usually, helminths cannot multiply in the human body. Protozoan parasites that have only one cell can multiply inside the human body.
In some cases, parasites clear up on their own, especially in a person with a healthy immune system. If the parasite causes concerning symptoms or may cause complications, doctors will likely order an antiparasitic medication that kills the parasite. Some people choose natural methods to clear their body of a parasite.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can mimic some of the symptoms of MS such as fatigue and joint pain.
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising new approach to treating MS. MSCs are multipotent cells that can differentiate into various cell types, including nerve cells. They also have immunomodulatory properties, which can modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.