The Worm Podcast19 Mars 2025

EPISODE 5: Unlocking the Physicochemical Fingerprint of the Hookworm Necator americanus

How does a tiny hookworm outsmart the human immune system? In this episode, we explore the physicochemical fingerprint of Necator americanus, a parasite that infects millions worldwide. Using cutting-edge techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), researchers reveal how the hookworm’s sheath and cuticle surfaces play a crucial role in immune evasion and infection.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:

• The unique surface properties of N. americanus at the infective L3 stage

• How the hookworm’s sheath diverts immune defences, aiding reinfection

• The role of nano-annuli in enhancing adhesion and survival

• How surface chemistry, including heparan sulphate and phosphatidylglycerol, influences parasite migration

📖 Based on the research article:

“The Physicochemical Fingerprint of Necator americanus”**

Veeren M. Chauhan, David J. Scurr, Thomas Christie, Gary Telford, Jonathan W. Aylott, David I. Pritchard. Published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2017).

🔗 Read it here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0005971

Join us as we discuss how surface biochemistry influences parasite survival, reinfection, and potential future treatments!

🎧 Subscribe to the WoRM Podcast for more deep dives into cutting-edge parasitology research!

This podcast is generated with artificial intelligence and curated by Veeren. If you’d like your publication featured on the show, please get in touch.

📩 More info:

🔗 www.veerenchauhan.com

📧 veeren.chauhan@nottingham.ac.uk

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