"Rope worms" (or "ropeworms") is a
pseudoscientific term for long thin pieces of damaged
intestinal epithelium
The intestinal epithelium is the single cell layer that form the Lumen (anatomy), luminal surface (lining) of both the Small intestine, small and large intestine (colon) of the Human gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal tract. Composed of ...
or other bowel content that have been misidentified as human
parasitic worm
Parasitic worms, also known as helminths, are large macroparasites; adults can generally be seen with the naked eye. Many are intestinal worms that are soil-transmitted and infect the gastrointestinal tract. Other parasitic worms such as sc ...
s.
"Rope worms" were reported in 2013 in two self-published papers by Volinsky and Gubarev et al.
In fact, they are not actual parasites, but instead fragments of
mucous membrane
A mucous membrane or mucosa is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body of an organism and covers the surface of internal organs. It consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue. It i ...
shed from the gut following the use of
bleach enemas (usually marketed as
Miracle Mineral Supplement
Miracle Mineral Supplement, often referred to as Miracle Mineral Solution, Master Mineral Solution, MMS or the CD protocol, is a branded name for an aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide, an industrial bleaching agent, that has been falsely ...
) and other similarly ineffective and toxic cleanses, such as the
essential oil enema described by Volinsky et al.
The phenomenon results from improper identification of intestinal artifacts expelled from the body. These "ropeworms" are often discussed, with images shared and claimed as evidence of successful
detoxing, on
autism forums and
altmed Facebook groups, wherein various toxic and/or ineffective products are falsely claimed to cure autism and a myriad of other conditions and ailments. In one Facebook group, 8500 members have allegedly been charged $60 to join, half a million dollars combined, leading to questioning of the leaders' intentions.
Parents in these groups may be reluctant to take their children to their doctors, even when dangerous reactions to chlorine dioxide are apparent, such as vomiting,
malaise, dehydration, and
jaundice. Doctors and other
mandatory reporters are generally required to report suspected child abuse (including the use of chlorine dioxide enemas) to
child protective services.
References
Alternative detoxification
Autism pseudoscience
Health fraud
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