Molecular characterization of hookworm spp. isolated from food handlers, Khartoum, Sudan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Hookworms infect the intestines, cause an itchy rash, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, and eventually iron deficiency (anaemia) due to the ongoing loss of blood. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and molecular characterization of hookworms isolated from food handlers attending the Public Health Laboratories in Khartoum state, Sudan, for annual check-ups, and to assess the efficiency of PCR as molecular probe for hookworm infection. Methods: A total of 350 foods handlers’ participant's stool samples who were not suspected to be infected with hookworms were studied. Conventional methods were applied to make an early diagnosis. Stool samples were collected from public health laboratories (the public health lab in the Medical Commission) of Khartoum State; Omdurman locality, Khartoum North locality and Khartoum locality between October 2016 and April 2017. Specific identification was made by PCR on specimens identified as positive by Baermann’s technique, which were then sequence and genotyped Results: The prevalence of hookworms in the stool samples of food-handlers was 1.43%. One larval specimen recovered by Baermann’s technique was confirmed to be Necator americanus by PCR. PCR also confirmed that Necator americanus was the common species isolated from four further specimens. The results of DNA sequencing for Necator americanus were deposited in NCBI GenBank under the following accession numbers: sample 91, MH035824 ; sample 92, MH035825 ; sample 294, MH035826 ; and sample 319 MH035827 . Conclusion: PCR was found to be effective for confirmation of the diagnosis of hookworm infection and can aid the clinician in initiating prompt and appropriate antiparasite therapy.