THE EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF NECATOR AMERICANUS (HOOK WORM) IN GOLDEN HAMSTER, MESOCRICETUS AURATUS

Abstract

Hook worm (Necator americanus) is one of the major pathogenic parasites in the north of Iran. Neonatal hamsters 1-3 days old showed a high degree of susceptibility to Necator americanus infection and the parasite reached to sexually mature stages in six weeks following skin exposure. This method could be used for production of egg, larvae and adult worms. In this study neonatal hamsters were infected each with 70 third – stage larvae percutaneously and 50% of larvae were developed to sexual maturity.