Breeding hookworms in their own bodies, Cairns based researchers are seeking out a new treatment for coeliac disease.
Based on the premise that the hookworm parasite secretes an anti-inflammatory protein, the study proposes that the protein could be harvested into a pill or gluten-intolerant patients could be intentionally infected with the worms.
Besides a small rash and a mild tummy ache, James Cook University scientist Dr Paul Giacomin said the trial caused no major side effects and yet by its completion meant that gluten sensitive patients could eat up to a bowl of pasta a day.