Hookworms hit the headlines in the New Millennium

Abstract

The year 2000 was a good year for hookworm researchers and possibly a bad year for hookworms. After many years in the parasitological doldrums, these haematophagous nematode parasites of humans (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) have finally attracted some serious attention from the funding organizations, reflecting their importance in causing disease. A major award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the Sabin Vaccine Institute and the Dept of Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at George Washington University will underpin the development of a hookworm vaccine, and the inclusion of hookworms in the Wellcome Trust-funded Beowulf Initiative will significantly enhance our knowledge of the molecular genetics and fundamental biology of these interesting parasites. Does this signal the end of the humble hookworm? Probably not in the short-term. Hookworms are adept immune regulators, and have the capacity to downregulate natural and possibly vaccine-induced immunity. Furthermore, there might be immunological situations where hookworm infections of tolerable intensity could be beneficial. DP