Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Hookworms

A hookworm is an intestinal parasite that can cause illness in both humans and animals. Human hookworm infection is cause by Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale parasites. The infection is generally encountered through skin contact with soil or accidental ingestion of contaminated soil. The resulting infection can be mild or extremely serious.

Location

Hookworms are most common in tropic and sub-tropic areas. According to Dr. Sampurna Roy, the most hookworm infections happen in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite's eggs do not cause disease but they release larvae into the soil. These larvae can enter then enter the skin, such as when someone walks barefoot through contaminated soil.

Mode of Infection

Once hookworms have penetrated the skin they travel to the lungs, proceed to the mouth, and are swallowed. They then follow a tract down into the small intestine. Once they are located intestinally they begin to develop into worms (about half an inch long). The worms attach to the wall of the intestine where they feed on blood throughout their lives. Adult worms (it takes approximately six to eight weeks to mature) then mate and the female hookworms lay thousands of eggs. The eggs are excreted from the body through feces. If the human feces is deposited on soil, chances are other persons will become infected when the eggs become larvae.

Risk Factors

Those who come into contact with fecal contaminated soil are at greater risk for hookworm infection. Many children become infected due to their propensity to play barefoot outside. Anyone living in tropical (or sub-tropical) areas need to take precautions against hookworm infestation by wearing shoes and not handling soil with their bare hands. Hygiene methods in these areas is extremely important, however, many of these areas are too poor to needed irrigation and plumping.

Symptoms

The first symptom is generally an itchy rash where the larvae has invaded the skin. If the person becomes heavily infected with hookworms he can become anemic, experience diarrhea and abdominal pain, lose his appetite and drop weight. In children, severe infection can stunt physical growth and negatively affect cognitive development.

Complications

Anemia is the most common complication of hookworm infection. This is due to intestinal blood loss from the parasites feeding. The blood loss can also cause protein deficiency in the sufferer. Recurrent infections, especially in young children, can result in lethargy, breathing difficulties, and even congestive heart failure. Treatment is essential.

Treatment

Once a physician has diagnosed hookworm infection by finding eggs in a stool sample, she will prescribe a regimen of medication for one to three days after which another stool sample may be taken to make sure the infection is cleared. Iron supplements may be given to counteract the anemia. Further treatment is usually not required. In some cases the damage done from hookworm infection cannot be rectified.

Reference

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
* Histopathology India.net