Bacillus thuringiensis Cry5B protein as a new pan-hookworm cure.

ABSTRACT: Hookworms are intestinal nematode parasites that infect nearly half a billion people and are globally one of the most important contributors to iron-deficiency anemia. These parasites have significant impacts in developing children, pregnant women and working adults. Of all the soil-transmitted helminths or nematodes (STNs), hookworms are by far the most important, with disease burdens conservatively estimated at four million DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) and with productivity losses of up to US$139 billion annually. To date, mainly one drug, albendazole is used for hookworm therapy in mass drug administration, which has on average ∼80% cure rate that is lower (<40%) in some places. Given the massive numbers of people needing treatment, the threat of parasite resistance, and the i

SUBMITTER: Hu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6039361 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature