Exploratory study characterizing gastrointestinal physiological changes during controlled human hookworm infection

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Thomas C. Mules, Mali Camberis, Brittany Lavender, Kate Payne, Bibek Yumnam, Francesco Vacca, Sophia‐Louise Noble, Jeffry S. Tang, Tama Te Kawa, Georgina Wheller, Graham S Le Gros, Stephen James Inns
DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00300.2025
Cited by: 0
References: 38

Abstract

This exploratory study using SmartPill technology found that controlled hookworm infection in healthy adults caused a transient drop in duodenal and small-intestinal pH during the acute phase, but no lasting changes in gut motility or transit. The findings, the first of their kind in humans, suggest that the physiological effects of controlled doses of hookworm are subtle and short-lived, offering reassurance for therapeutic trials while highlighting a potential mechanism for symptoms and malabsorption in endemic regions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Parasites and Host Interactions Gastrointestinal motility and disorders Helminth infection and control

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
Volume
330
Issue
2
Pages
G206–G213
Publication date
19 January 2026
Language
EN