Hookworm (IMAGE) James Cook University Caption This image shows a hookworm. Australian scientists who have successfully regulated the inflammatory response in celiac patients by infecting them with hookworms are now collaborating with a major pharmaceutical company to develop a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), based on proteins secreted by the worms. Credit James Cook University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.