Determinants of the longevity of third-stage infective larvae of Ancylostoma tubaeforme

The effects of some extrinsic factors on the lipid (energy) reserves and longevity of third-stage larvae of the cat hookworm Ancylostoma tubaeforme, were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions. In nonstressful microenvironmental conditions, larval longevity was directly related to the rate of utilisation of the lipid reserves. The effects of the various environmental stresses on longevity could also be explained largely on the basis of their deleterious effects on the lipid metabolism of the larvae.