Table 3 The major animal models used to study human hookworm infection
Animal model | Naturally occurring host-parasite | Similar life-cycle cf. Necator/Ancylostoma spp. in humans | Infection model | Model used to study | Regulatory restrictions | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mouse (Mus musculus) | ||||||
Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri | Yes | No (no lung stage) | Chronic helminthiasis | Pathophysiology of infection, immunological studies, vaccinomics | – | |
Nippostrongylus brasiliensis | No | Yes | Rapid expulsion | Immunology of helminth infection, pathophysiology of infection | – | |
Golden Syrian hamster (M. auratus) | ||||||
Ancylostoma ceylanicum | No | No (infection by oral gavage) | Rapid expulsion | Vaccinomics, anti-helminthics | Hamsters not permitted in some countries (e.g. Australia) | |
Necator americanus | No | Yes | Chronic helminthiasis | Pathophysiology of infection, immunological studies, vaccinomics | Hamsters not permitted in some countries. Ova transport restricted in US | |
Beaglea (Canis lupus familiaris) | ||||||
Ancylostoma caninum | Yes | Yes including hypobiosis | Acute and chronic helminthiasis | Pathophysiology of infection, immunological studies, vaccinomics | Ethical considerations | [144] |