Pathophysiology of Intestinal Nematodes

Recent insights into the epidemiology and genetics of Ascaris in China using molecular tools

“…Ascariasis, the disease caused by this parasite genus, is of major human health importance in many parts of the world (WHO, 1987 ;O'Lorcain and Holland, 2000 ;Crompton, 2001). Ascaris infects a quarter of the world's human population and clinically affects y100-200 million people, particularly children (WHO, 1987 ;Crompton, 1989Crompton, , 2001Peng et al 1996O'Lorcain and Holland, 2000 ;Stephenson, 2002). Also, ascariasis of pigs is of major economic significance due to production losses linked to reduced feed conversion efficiency and losses to the meat industry associated with the condemnation of ' milk-spot ' livers (Stewart and Hale, 1988).…”

Development of a Model of Hookworm Infection Exhibiting Salient Characteristics of Human Infection

“…Finally, further development of the model may ultimately provide a unique opportunity to develop a hookworm vaccine in a system where vaccine safety, delivery, and efficacy can be assessed against worm establishment, parasite patency, infection-associated pathology, and cognitive development. 32,33 Furthermore, the comparatively close evolutionary relationships between marmosets and humans, the strong degree of similarity between their MHC and T cell receptor genes, their immunologic characterization, and the availability of defined reagents combined with their suitability for cognitive studies, and their acceptance by the Food and Drug Administration as being important to preclinical evaluation of biotechnology derived pharmaceuticals, 34 lend support to the choice of this species as a model for hookworm vaccination development, in preference to the less suitable mouse, hamster, and canine models.…”

“…1 Thus, hookworms are a leading cause of anemia and malnutrition, particularly in children and women of child-bearing age in developing countries. [2][3][4] Consequently, two major initiatives were recently announced, with the intention of increasing our knowledge of the molecular genetics of hookworms (The Wellcome Trust Beowulf Initiative) and to develop rationally designed vaccines for hookworm infection (The Hookworm Vaccine Initiative, Sabin Vaccine Institute, and George Washington University).…”

Ascaris lumbricoides

“…30 By contrast, A. lumbricoides impairs the absorption of fats, vitamin A and iodine and the digestion of lactose by reducing the appetite of infected individuals and damaging their intestinal villi. 31 The effects of STH-associated malnutrition are most pronounced in children and are broadly similar: impaired growth, physical ability, work capacity and cognition. 13,29 Larval migration can lead to acute but short-lived pulmonary ascariasis or the more severe pneumonitis, both of which are rare, although their public health significance is not fully understood (Chapter 5).…”