Immune and Iron Metabolism Responses During the Acute Phase of Experimental Hookworm Infection in the Ancylostoma ceylanicum-Hamster Model

Abstract

Hookworm infections continue to impose a substantial burden on human and animal health, but the early host responses that influence parasite establishment are not fully characterized. Experimental models that reproduce key features of hookworm biology and host-parasite interactions remain essential for advancing translational research. In this study, we examined hematological, biochemical, immunological, and parasitological parameters during the acute phase of experimental hookworm infection using the Ancylostoma ceylanicum-Mesocricetus auratus model, a small-animal system widely employed for mechanistic studies of hookworm infection. Animals were evaluated at 7 and 20 days post-infection. Hematological indices and serum iron concentrations did not differ between infected and control groups during the acute phase. In contrast, infected animals showed increased splenic mass at 20 days post-infection, indicating immunological activation. Hepatic hepcidin expression was markedly reduced, suggesting an early alteration in systemic iron regulation. Analysis of inflammatory mediators revealed selective modulation of cytokine expression, with reduced interleukin-6 transcript levels at 20 days post-infection, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha expression remained unchanged. Parasitological analyses demonstrated progressive parasite establishment, with fecal egg output detected from 14 days post-infection and reaching approximately 300 eggs per gram by day 18, consistent with the onset of patency. Taken together, these data indicate that acute hookworm infection induces coordinated changes in immune responses and iron metabolism before the development of overt hematological alterations.