Check out this article on a researcher in England doing clinical trials on low level hookworm infection to reduce allergy symptoms. Is it ethical to infect someone with a known pathogen?

"Some scientists say Dr. Pritchard is walking a fine ethical line by infecting patients with a parasite known to risk hosts’ health. Peter Hotez, a microbiologist at George Washington University who is developing a hookworm vaccine, said the parasite was among the primary causes of stunted growth and malnutrition in developing countries."

Also, groups have sprung up selling the parasite therapy before the science has been fully tested, not unlike stem cell therapy.

Here is the website:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/01/health/research/01prof.html?em&ex=1215057600&en=82b023a56c0875c8&ei=5087%0A

Comments are welcomed.

Omai