Abstract
The third-stage ensheathed infective larvae (L 3) of hookworms are reputed to be non-feeding stages, and the L 2-derived sheath is considered to be a barrier to macromolecular uptake and secretion. During a study of the lectin-binding characteristics of en- and exsheathed L 3 larvae of Ancylostoma duodenale, fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated lectins (con A and Ulex europaeus agglutinin) were repeatedly seen in the oesophageal lumen, as well as on the surface of L 3 larvae encased in the L 2 sheaths. Repetition of these experiments using Necator americanus L 3 larvae yielded similar results. These observations suggest that ensheathed hookworm larvae can obtain/utilise and secrete macromolecules, despite the presence of a sheath.
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