Changes in lipid contents of infective third-stage larvae of Necator americanus during desiccation and revival

Abstract

Changes in lipid content of infective third-stage larvae of Necator americanus were investigated after short periods of induced desiccation and revival. A fall in lipid reserve from an outset level of 86% to 74% was recorded in the first 2 h of desiccation. With increased desiccation, lipid reserves did not show significant decline, probably as a result of decreased lipid metabolism in the desiccated larvae. During revival, there was a drastic fall in lipid reserves as a result of increased lipid utilisation by the reviving larvae. The results showed that desiccated larvae with lipid levels less than 10% did not revive. The presence of lipid did not appear to prevent desiccation but was an essential factor for revival. The ecological significance of these findings in field larvae is discussed.