Scientists have discovered that a high-fat diet allows the immune system to eliminate a parasitic worm which is a major cause of death and illness in the developing world. Parasitic worms affect up to a billion people, particularly in developing nations with poor sanitation. One of these parasites known as ‘whipworm’ can cause long lasting infections in the large intestine. Researchers have discovered that a high-fat diet allows the immune system to eliminate the parasite.