Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating obesity or IBS in an individual by administering a physiologically acceptable composition comprising a helminthic parasite, or an active variant thereof, that is of a type and present in an amount sufficient to treat the individual for obesity or IBS. The invention is not limited to obesity and IBS and is further drawn to conditions of health in which the microbiota profile for a population of microbes found within an individual contributes to a pathological condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating an excessive immune response including an aberrant/enhanced Th1 response by administering a helminthic parasite preparation in an amount sufficient to reduce the excessive immune response in an individual. This invention is generally directed to autoimmune diseases which involve an excessive immune response or an aberrant/enhanced Th1 response. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both known as IBD. While the present invention discloses specific information about the treatment of IBD, the disclosure is in no way limiting. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, lupus erythematosis, sarcoidosis and multiple sclerosis can be treated by the methods and compositions disclosed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of screening a heminthic parasite preparation that affects a regulatory T cell function and a method of treating a disease by altering a regulatory T cell activity through the administration of a parasite preparation.