Ancylostoma ceylanicum Hookworm in the Solomon Islands

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Parasitology
• * Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• * Hookworm infections are common in the Solomon Islands, but the specific species were previously unknown.
• * The presence of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in a traveler returning from the Solomon Islands prompted this investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To identify the hookworm species prevalent in East Malaita, Solomon Islands.
• * To genetically characterize Ancylostoma ceylanicum isolates from this region.

Main Methods:

• * Kato-Katz fecal surveys were conducted in two village groups in East Malaita.
• * Hookworm-positive samples were analyzed using multiplex PCR of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox-1) gene.
• * Sequencing and haplotype analysis of cox-1 gene were performed for species identification and phylogenetic placement.

Main Results:

• * Necator americanus was the most common species (81.8%), followed by Ancylostoma ceylanicum (16.7%).
• * Ancylostoma duodenale was not detected.
• * Haplotype analysis confirmed that Ancylostoma ceylanicum isolates belong to the zoonotic clade, indicating potential transmission between animals and humans.

Conclusions:

• * Ancylostoma ceylanicum is endemic in East Malaita, Solomon Islands.
• * The identified Ancylostoma ceylanicum strain is zoonotic and can be transmitted between humans, dogs, and cats.
• * Findings highlight the importance of One Health approaches in controlling hookworm infections in the region.