Study of gastric acid secretion in hookworm duodenitis.

The importance of the participation of the duodenum in the 'gastrin phase' of gastric acid secretion has been brought to light only recently (Lai Kai Sum, 1963). With the duodenal mucosa elaborating large quantities of gastrin, it is a logical progression of inquiry to determine the scope and role of duodenal mucosal changes, such as inflammation, in evoking significant variations in acid secretion. The occurrence of duodenitis in ancylostomal infestation is well documented (Bonne, 1942; Hodes and Keefer, 1945). The results of acid secretion studies undertaken on carefully selected subjects with ancylostomiasis balanced with appropriate controls or normals are presented in this paper. The pattern of acid secretion in subjects with chronic duodenal ulcer without commensal hookworm infestation has also been collated.