Hookworm disease: A major challenge in developing world

Pages: 897-898
Suraj Chawla, Ramesh Verma and Pardeep Khanna (Department of Community Medicine, Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak)
Manisha Kocher (Physiotherapist, Life Care Hospital, Rohtak, Haryana)

Human hookworm infection is caused by blood-feeding nematode parasites of the genus Ancylostoma and the species Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Hookworm infection is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics. N. americanus is the most prevalent hookworm. Hookworm infection does not directly account for substantial mortality; instead, its public health impact comes from the chronic anemia and protein malnutrition caused by severe infection. Because of its high transmission potential, it is extremely difficult to eliminate or eradicate hookworm disease in areas of poverty and poor sanitation. Indeed, in the absence of comprehensive economic development, the impact of sanitation, footwear, and health education has been minimal. Control efforts have therefore shifted to reducing morbidity by “deworming” through mass treatment of affected populations with anthelminthic drugs. There are also efforts underway to develop novel anthelmintic drugs and anti-hookworm vaccines. Examples of antigenic targets of hookworm vaccines currently being investigated in clinical trials include Na-ASP-2 from N. americanus and Ac-APR-1 from Ancylostoma caninum.