Parasitic infestations and their influence on joint inflammation

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to conduct a bibliographic analysis of current data regarding the impact of parasitic infestations on immune status and the progression of osteoarticular diseases within the context of parasitic infections. Material and methods. This was a qualitative analytical study presented as a narrative literature review. Relevant primary sources published between 2016 and 2022 were identified and selected using data extraction and analysis methods. Results and discussion. The concept of “parasitic therapy” has generated considerable interest among researchers, the public, and patients for whom standard treatments have been ineffective or offered limited results. Although studies exploring the role of parasitic infections in arthritis are less common than in other fields, animal models suggest that parasitic infections may alleviate joint inflammation. However, further research is needed across different forms of arthritis, including clinical data collection and double-blind, controlled clinical trials. Conclusions. While only a few studies have demonstrated that parasitic infections may worsen preexisting diseases, the scientific consensus is that parasitic infections can create an immunoregulatory environment, reducing the severity of coexisting conditions. Finally, more rigorous animal studies are required to thoroughly investigate immunomodulatory mechanisms and potential side effects of parasitic infections in the presence of other diseases.