Distinction of human hookworm larvae based on lectin-binding characteristics.

A comparative study of lectin binding to ensheathed (EnL3) and exsheathed (ExL3) L3 larvae of Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Ancylostoma ceylanicum revealed a number of differences between these hookworm species. These differences could provide a novel approach to distinguish infective L3 larvae in field conditions. For example, binding of Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA) and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA120) to N. americanus EnL3 distinguished them from those of A. duodenale and A. ceylanicum. Furthermore, UEA and RCA120 negative EnL3 could be separated into the two Ancylostoma sps. tested, as Dolichos biflorus agglutinin and Soybean agglutinin bound to EnL3 of A. ceylanicum but not to those of A. duodenale.