The immunoepidemiology of human hookworm infection

Advances in hookworm immunoepidemiology are reviewed. Recent studies demonstrate a mixed Th1/Th2 response in human hookworm infection, with immunosuppression of specific and nonspecific IFN-gamma responses. There is increasing evidence for protective immunity in human hookworm infection, including anti-larval IL-5- and IgE-dependent mechanisms, and for immunological interactions between hookworm infection and other diseases.