Pete Dixon

With Donald Trump’s removal of the de minimis exemption for packages entering the United States, there has been increased scrutiny of inbound shipments, including those from helminthic therapy providers. The practical effect appears to be a near stoppage of Necator americanus larvae entering the U.S.

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I’ve previously written about incubation and self-supply, but that approach presupposes an existing infection capable of producing harvestable eggs. For new people access is now significantly constrained.

I live in Canada, so I’m not directly affected. However, reduced access to the U.S. market could impact the viability of providers more broadly. From a continuity standpoint, that matters: a colony can be lost due to factors like antibiotics or dietary disruption, and re-establishing supply may not be easy if providers exit the market. Given the U.S. fiscal situation, it’s unclear whether these policies will be reversed in the near term.

The practical takeaway is that, at present, it is considerably more difficult for Americans to initiate hookworm-based helminthic therapy for conditions such as Celiac disease or related immune disorders.

On a personal note, I'm doing well. I’m not experiencing reactions to gluten or other triggers (I still avoid nuts out of habit), and there are no signs of colitis. My next incubation is scheduled for early August, with inoculation a week later.