Hookworm

Hookworm can affect mammals such as dogs (Ancylostoma caninum), cats (Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostoma Tuaeforme) and also humans. They live in the small intestine of their host. There are two species of hookworms that commonly infect humans. They are Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Almost a quarter of the world’s population is infected with hookworms.

What causes Hookworm infection?

Contact with fecally contaminated soil with hookworm eggs usually cause hookworm infection. The point of entry for the larvae in the body is the skin, post which they move about in the body with the help of blood. They are swallowed once they reach the lungs and then they pass into the digestive tract.

It is really in the small intestine that they are able to attach themselves. In fact, it is here that they create maximum damage to the host’s body. In essence, they could also cause some serious health complications to the host, if they are not attended to.

Symptoms:

Symptoms associated to various parts of the body where the hookworm travels in its lifecycle:

• Skin: There may be local itching, irritation or rash from where the worm penetrated through the skin.
• Lungs: There make symptoms similar to asthma.
• Digestive tract: Epigastric pains
• Small intestine: Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Although, advanced stages of infection may cause anemia, protein deficiency, and cardiac failure.

How is Hookworm diagnosed?

Microscopic examination of eggs in the stool (not possible in early infection) and blood sample examination to detect iron or protein deficiency are the types of diagnosis done in hookworm infection. The later diagnosis can also determine the seriousness of the infection.

Treatment:

Mebendazole are used to treat infection both in the initial stages where the worm is still migrating under the skin as well as in the intestinal stage. The doses are usually twice per day for three days. It cures up to 99% of the infection and it is capable of killing both eggs and the adult worms.

Iron and protein deficiency is common in hookworm infection. Therefore, doctors recommend iron supplements and high protein diet to improve the recovery process.

Prevention:

The hookworm larvae are prone to be found in unhygienic and damp places. They are also present in sandy and loamy soil.

• Avoid using public toilets.
• Avoid human excrement or raw sewage as fertilizers for agriculture, unless it is chemically treated.
• Wear shoes in swampy or damp areas.
• Limit contact with water, like swimming and washing, until it is treated and boiled to kill the larvae.

It is important to follow proper hygiene and sanitation practice. Administer diagnosis and treatment when some symptoms start showing. It is imperative to treat hookworm quickly before it causes serious health hazards.