Phase 2 human clinical trial paves way for effective hookworm vaccine

A phase 2 human clinical trial of an antigen for a parasitic infection caused by hookworms has been shown to be effective in limiting the intensity of infection, paving the way for the development of a vaccine.

Apart from malaria, hookworm is one of the most important parasitic infections in terms of global burden of disease. An estimated 113 million people are infected worldwide, with the largest concentration of cases on the African continent and Southeast Asia although some estimates suggest that the actual number of people infected is more than 400 million.

Professor David Diemert, from George Washington University led the trial, he said: "This study is an important step in developing an effective hookworm vaccine, which would become an essential tool to prevent anaemia and improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations."

Source:

University of Nottingham

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