Parasites could hold the key to halting MS

 

A microscope slide of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke), the parasite being used in the study. Picture by Peter Halasz, Wikimedia Commons

Parasitic worms are typically something we're keen to avoid, but new research from UTS's ithree institute shows that controlled infection of parasites could be harnessed to prevent the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS).

 

"This important project is working towards a better treatment option for the 23,000 people living with MS in Australia and over 2.3 million around the world," says Dr Matthew Miles, CEO MS Research Australia.

 

Lead researcher, Dr Sheila Donnelly explains, "We are trying to stop the progression of the disease. Our goal is to develop a treatment, which if delivered at diagnosis would stop or slow down the clinical progression to severe disability that occurs in people with MS." 

 

Read the full story in the Newsroom.