Rope worms

Rope worms (or ropeworms) are long thin pieces of intestinal lining that are misidentified as human parasitic worms. "Rope worms" were described in 2013 in two self-published papers by Volinsky, Gubarev et al. They are not actual parasites, but intestinal lining shed from the gut following the use of bleach enemas (sodium chlorite mixed with citric acid, forming chlorine dioxide and marketed as Miracle Mineral Supplement) and other similarly ineffective and dangerous cleanses and treatments, such as the lemon enema described by Volinsky intended to remove parasites.

The phenomenon results from a misunderstanding and misidentification 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 Facebook groups, where bleach enemas (for example MMS) are falsely claimed to cure autism. In one group, 8500 members have allegedly been charged $60 to join, half a million dollars combined, leading to questioning of the leaders' intentions. Autism is a neurological disorder, and not caused by parasitic worms. Because they know what they are doing is not sanctioned by medical studies and is considered abusive, parents in these groups may be reticent to take their children to their doctors, even when dangerous reactions are apparent, such as vomiting, exhaustion, dehydration, and extremities turning yellow indicating damage to liver, because doctors are mandatory reporters, and the parents will be reported to child protective services.