Mechanism of skin penetration by Ancylostoma tubaeforme larvae

Skin penetration by infective Ancylostoma tubaeforme larvae has been investigated cinematographically and using in vitro techniques. The dermal tissue appears to cause little hinderance to larval migration but complete penetration through the skin from the dermal direction did not occur, although total penetration from the epidermal surface was frequently accomplished. No evidence could be found for enzymic secretions emanating from the worms under conditions that gave positive results from Necator americanus and Strongyloides fülleborni infective larvae. The results indicated that A. tubaeforme was able to penetrate without the use of enzymic secretions and an alternative, mechanical mechanism for penetration is advanced.