The scientists found out why some people are naturally protected from parasitic worms, while others do not, and perhaps these studies will help a whole billion people.

Worms-parasites - the main cause of death and disease of a billion people, mainly in the Third World, as well as pets and livestock.

Recently, researchers from the University of Manchester (University of Manchester) found a component of mucus in the intestines of humans and animals, toxic to worms.

"These parasites usually live in the intestines, which are protected by a thick layer of mucus," says Dr. David Thrornton,. "In this barrier, mucus also contains salts, water and high-molecular glycoproteins, called mucins; It is he who gives the mucus its gel-like properties ".

The scientists found that mice that could cope with the Trihuris muris parasite produced more mucus, which contained mucin Muc5ac, which is rare in the intestine and is known for influencing the physical properties of mucus. The same mice that are genetically incapable of producing Muc5ac, could not cope with parasites, despite a strong immune response. Moreover, the scientists found out that Muc5ac is so important because it is "toxic" to worms and adversely affects their health.

In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, it is also said that the Muc5ac fights against intestinal parasites such as spiral pinworm and ankylostoma.

Dr. Sumaira Hasnain (Sumaira Hasnain), the lead researcher of the project, explains: "For the first time we discovered that the only component of mucus is important for dehelminthization, namely, Muc5ac. With the help of these studies it will be possible to find out who is susceptible to parasitic worms and who does not, and in time this will help develop a treatment for people with chronic parasitic diseases ".

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