Hookworm infection in rural Gambia

Abstract

Longitudinal studies of hookworm infection (Necalor americanus) in two Gambian villages over a 14-month period showed that the rise in egg count began two months after the short rainy season and reached a maximum after seven months. Counts in adults tended to return to their previous value after 12 months but children below the age often years showed net increments; persons with higher initial counts showed lower increments.

Levels of total serum IgE were measured before and after the rainy season and showed a considerable increase; many factors probably contribute to this. IgE level was most closely correlated with hookworm egg count in children; there was an overall negative correlation between increment in IgE and initial egg count. A number of patients with asthma were encountered; their hookworm egg counts were similar to those from matched non-asthmatics but their IgE levels were higher.