Human hookworm model and method for maintaining human hookworm in a non-human primate

Abstract

A method for maintaining a human hookworm strain is provided by infecting a non-human primate with a non-adapted or non-passaged human hookworm and maintaining the non-human primate. Methods of obtaining human hookworm materials and compositions, such as for use as a vaccine, are also provided, along with a model for maintaining and investigating human hookworm.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A composition comprising a human hookworm, or an antigenic component thereof, in a carrier, wherein the human hookworm is produced by a process comprising: 
 a. administering a non-adapted human hookworm to a non-human primate to produce a human hookworm infection in the primate,    b. maintaining the hookworm-infected non-human primate,    c. obtaining a fecal material from the non-human hookworm-infected primate,    d. isolating human hookworm from the fecal material of the non-human hookworm-infected primate, and    e. combining the human hookworm, or an antigenic component thereof, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.    
   
   
       12 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition is a therapeutic or immunogenic composition.  
   
   
       13 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition is a therapeutic composition comprising a vaccine.  
   
   
       14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the vaccine protects against human hookworm infection when administered to a human or animal.  
   
   
       15 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition is a therapeutic composition for producing an immune response in a human or animal.  
   
   
       16 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the composition is a therapeutic composition for protection against allergenic sensitivity in a human.