PARAMOUNT PARASITIC PROBLEM
A THOUGHT PROVOKING RESEARCH
Part 1

edited 04/10/06

The subject of parasitic research is the most complex topic that we have been involved so far.   For reasons yet to be determined, parasites have been a very antagonistic subject.  The following will provide an overview of the research findings:

While engaged in EPM research, investigators RamaSharma Kristapati, Ph.D., of Endocrine Technologies, Inc and Thelma Dunnebacke, Ph.D., a friend and associate, observed worms in the blood samples being processed.  The worms were subsequently identified as strongyle type parasites.  As a result of these findings, all of the EPM research blood samples were examined for parasites.  The findings showed parasitic infections at an alarming level.  A comparison of these findings showed a pattern that required further investigation.  A large number of horses showing EPM like symptoms tested low or negative for S. Neurona and/or Neospora infections; however, upon examination, strongyle type parasites were present in the blood samples. The investigation into the link between EPM negative equine and neurologically deficit equine with vascular parasite infections continued.  At the onset of the investigation collection and cataloging of samples was limited to rescued equine from Indiana.  The test results from those blood samples revealed a high parasitic infection level in most subjects.  It was determined that this was not an adequate sampling of the general equine population, so the research was expanded to include a variety of equine from a larger geographical area.  In the beginning the blood collections were limited to Indiana equine of all ages, breeds and all ranges of  facilities.  The results of the analysis of the blood samples collected were comparable to the initial findings.  Parasitemia was found even in a wide variety of the most well kept, well maintained equine in Indiana.

The research area was increased to include Arizona, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio and Texas.  Working with a select number of veterinarians, Marcia Dubois, DVM (Texas), Luann Groves, DVM (Texas), Jerry Singleton, DVM (Arkansas), Barbara Truex, DVM (Arizona & Oklahoma), and Madalyn Ward, DVM (Texas), hundreds of blood samples were successfully collected and analyzed.  The analysis supported the earlier findings.  Parasitemia was diagnosed successfully by the veterinarians, based on an analysis of the blood samples.  The horses were treated by the veterinarians and success stories started mounting.  Not only EPM like symptoms, but a wide variety of disorders and diseases, were resolved after treatment for the parasitemia.  The most devastating adverse health conditions were noted in long term, low level parasitemia.  Different degrees of recovery were noted from the following diseases, disorders, and/or conditions: Allergies, Amyotrophy, Anemia, assorted Joint Disorders, Colic, Dermal Lesions, Dermatitis, Edema, Gastritis, Heaves, Inferior Performance, Laminitis, Lethargy, General Lameness, Muscle Wasting, Neurological Deficit, Pleurisy and Chronic Respiratory Infections.  

In addition to equine at the research facility there are canines with medical disorders.  A select group from our research staff, comprised of pre-veterinarian, veterinary technician and university biology students, began to analyze the canine blood samples with the same protocol used in the equine research.  The results were remarkably similar to the equine findings, vascular strongyle type parasitic infection.  Upon successful treatment of the test subjects, different levels of recovery were noted from the following diseases, disorders and/or conditions: Allergies, Anemia, Assorted Joint Disorders, Dermal Lesions, Dermatitis, Gastritis, Lethargy, and Seizures.

As the research continued there was exposure to more equine with parasitemia on a regular basis.  An individual case stands out for the following reasons:  The equine had been treated with the current accepted protocols for respiratory infections, including the use of steroids.  It was determined from a continual analysis of the subject’s blood, that the addition of steroids to the therapy increased both the population and health of the parasites.  When the owner of the equine subject observed the symptoms displayed, he saw a similarity in the symptoms he personally had been experiencing.  The possibility of an equine to human link was suspected.  The owner requested an analysis of a secretion from a lesion on the left side of his abdomen.  An analysis was conducted and strongyle type parasites were observed.

The facility began to further explore the human infection rate with startling results.  Two medical doctors were enlisted to aid in the research and to properly assess findings.  Similar infection levels to the equine blood samples were found.  In further testing of the infection rate with regards to humans, members of our research staff ventured out to the public.  They collected swabbed specimens from a random selection of public restroom facilities.  The findings were similar to the blood samplings in that there was a presence of strongyle type parasites.  In equine, urine has provided reasonably accurate pre screening of certain types of parasitic infection, although not definitive. Little weight was given to these findings except in the area of  frequency, and ease of detection among the general human population.

The human subjects with positive hematological exams were introduced to these observations and chose to obtain treatment.  Further observations of those subjects revealed different degrees of recovery from the following diseases, disorders, and/or conditions: Cholecystitis, Dermal Lesions, Dermatitis, Edema, Fibrosis, Gastritis, High Blood Pressure, Lethargy, Ovarian cysts, Pleurisy, and Sinusitis.

One consistent finding in all of the research, human, canine or equine, was that white blood cell counts that are commonly used to diagnose vascular parasitic infections are not reliable in diagnosing the presence of this family of parasites.  In one case it was documented that parasites were observed in a blood sample; the subject went to his medical doctor, advised him of the discovery, whereupon the doctor conducted his own blood collection, and sent it to a lab for evaluation.  The results of the lab analysis with whatever tests that were run, showed no parasitic infection,  however the photographic evidence was conclusive and treatment was started.  In human, canine and equine, commonly used fecal samples to measure parasitic infections are equally unreliable in determining vascular parasitic infections.  The current accepted practice of analyzing fecal samples for the detection of all parasites is rarely valuable.  A positive fecal analysis may support a conclusion of gastrointestinal parasites, but does not support the presence of parasitemia; just as a negative fecal analysis does not rule out parasitemia.  Noted in the research are multiple cases of clear fecal analysis, with accompanying photos of vascular parasites.

Collection of  blood samples has been ongoing for three years.  Thousands of photographs supporting our observations have been cataloged. 

The Aboriginal Resource and Development Services, Inc  has some of the best research supporting the findings. (Click on their link to read more!)
The following is quoted from their publication:

"This disease can be diagnosed and cured, but because its symptoms mimic those of other diseases, strongyloidiasis is mostly not recognized. A person with Strongyloides whose immunity is impaired is in danger of dying. Under those circumstances, the worms multiply rapidly, invade any part of the body and overwhelm the patient. Secondary bacterial infection increases the intensity of the illness. If such patients are not promptly diagnosed and given the specific treatment for Strongyloides, they die. 

Chronic Strongyloidiasis typically lasts for decades before being diagnosed and treated. In some cases, it is carried to the grave undiagnosed after years of ill health, or it may develop into severe illness (which may still be undiagnosed) and cause death. 

60% of deaths due to Strongyloidiasis are caused by the administration of corticosteroid drugs to patients with chronic Strongyloidiasis. Guidelines for the use of these drugs currently do not include any warning to doctors about Strongyloidiasis. Other conditions which depress the immune system also lead to Severe Strongyloidiasis and death if not successfully treated. These conditions include malnutrition, lymphoma, HTLV-1 and advanced AIDS. The duration of the final illness varies from 1 to 90 days."

The research findings with regards to humans were consistent with ARD publications in all areas but one.  The infection and/or re-infection source was animal and environmental, not a failure of sanitary practices.

The best example of the resilience of this strain of parasite was noted when a manure sample was collected from a manure collection area at an equine facility near Tucson, Arizona.  The sample had been exposed to ambient temperatures in excess of 80 degrees, with limited humidity for 48+ hours, no temperatures were recorded from inside the manure pile.  The equine at the facility were on a regular deworming program with Ivermectin rotations.  The sample was collected in a new latex glove, sealed, placed in a box and shipped to Indiana.  The sample was received for processing in the lab 7 days after collection.  The sample was then prepared and cultured on day 8.  The culture was examined, and parasites consistent with those observed in fresh blood samples, were documented.

Following the accepted protocols for deworming, our research staff was rarely able to obtain parasite free blood samples.  Our research findings suggest an acquired resistance exists to the current deworming protocols.  Further testing included increased dosages of various types and brands of oral dewormers, the dosage began with the normal dosage instructions.  When that failed, the dosage was increased slowly in an attempt to obtain parasite free blood samples.  This technique was only successful in approximately 30% of the cases and vascular re-infection was noted in some test subjects even when a daily dewormer was administered.  This is a very dangerous technique and not recommended.  All equine were under close medical observation.

Newly developed products were used successfully to achieve parasite negative blood results.  These products will be released when Endocrine Technologies, Inc. markets the products.

No dewormer testing was performed on vascular parasite positive canine subjects, as they were already receiving an Ivermectin product monthly for the protection from heartworms.  As in the equine research, newly developed products were used to successfully eradicate the vascular parasitic infections in the canine test subjects.  These products will also be released when Endocrine Technologies, Inc. markets the products.

Only limited investigations as to the life cycle of the parasite were conducted.  A constant presence of vascular strongyle type parasites was noted in equine test subjects, even with negative fecal analysis.  This supports the findings of constant re-infection from reproduction and not just gastrointestinal migration.  Vast amounts of research exists to support the level of systemic damage done by an infection of this type, so no more was performed.  More value was placed on the investigation to determine the frequency of parasite positive samples.   

This research project is not an attempt to challenge the veracity of existing research with regards to equine parasites.  The findings of this research suggests that we are dealing with a mutated or different strain of strongyle type parasite than previously known.  The findings of this research project would suggest a closer resemblance to the Strongyloides human infection than the existing research on equine parasites.  The findings would suggest a much broader infection level, including human, canine and equine.  More research is underway for effective control and/or eradication of these parasites.

I am grateful to the following people who have assisted in the findings detailed in this publication: Alphabetically -  Thelma Dunnebacke, Ph.D., R. Kristapati, Ph.D., Tej Singh, M.S., Marcia Dubois, DVM., Luann Groves, DVM., Jerry Singleton, DVM., Barbara Truex, DVM., Madalyn Ward, DVM., Kelsey Cook, VCA, Jennifer Harrison, VCA, Jamie Showers, VCA.

04/10/06  This article has been modified for ease of understanding, the word strongyl was used several times when discussing observed parasites.  Strongyl simply means round or compact.  The usage led some readers unfamiliar with this definition to be confused about the identification of the parasites observed.  No specific identification was performed.  It has been interesting to see that more attention was given to the potential confusion with regards to identification, than to the overwhelming parasite infection problem, and the ease by which it was observed in blood samples.

All data and findings are the intellectual property of 
Endocrine Technologies, Inc.
& Animal Protection Coalition, Inc.

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