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Infested by hookworm

Michael Mosley from 'Infested' investigates hookworms. These are large parasites which invade our immune system. The worms have co-evolved with us to secrete chemicals which alter our immune system to allow them to survive. They are allowed to stay in our intestines as an immune response in our intestines would be very unpleasant for us.

Michael Mosley then meets a sufferer of Crohn鈥檚 Disease in which the immune system attacks the intestinal lining. He explains how he infected himself with hookworms and describes how his quality of life has improved dramatically. He believes the worms have secreted a chemical which reduces his immune response. Michael Mosley explains how some scientists believe the hygienic lifestyle we currently lead is actually leading to more illness. Both sides of this argument are described.

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Duration:

5 minutes

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