The exsheathment of Necator americanus infective larvae.

Infective 3rd-stage larvae of Necator americanus were treated with human sweat under various conditions, and compared with human serum, 1.5% saline solution, and distilled water. The infective larvae were observed under inverted microscopy. The highest percentage (14.0%) of the exsheathed larvae was found in human sweat after 2 hours' incubation at 37 degrees C. The proportion of exsheathed larvae in human sweat was significantly different from human serum (p<0.001), 1.5% saline solution (p<0.001), and distilled water (p<0.001). This may reflect the effect of human sweat on the process of skin penetration by Necator americanus larvae.