Adventure Doc
keeping you healthy for life's adventures
Erik McLaughlin MD, MPH
Affiliates
HOOKWORM
Basics:
Helminthitic infection of the intestines that frequently causes iron deficient anemia secondary to blood loss. Two species exist: Ancylostoma Duodenale and Necator Americanus. Acquired by direct contact with infected soil, usually walking barefoot. Characteristic “ground itch” is common at site of penetration. The life cycle is similar to Ascaris: penetration to blood stream, migration through the lungs, swallowed to stomach and mature into adults.
Location:
Tropical countries in areas with moist soil and poor hygiene in respect to fecal waste management. Both species are found in Africa, Asia, South Pacific and South America. Americanus is most common in South/Central America
Transmission/ Incubation:
Transmitted via contact with infected soil containing 3rd stage larvae. Larvae directly penetrate skin. Most commonly acquired through human waste but some other species can transmit via cat/animal feces. Incubation can take weeks to months, as the parasites develop. Larger burdens of infection present quicker.
Prevention:
Use of shoes when walking, sanitary disposal of feces
PRODUCT REVIEWS
Diagnosis:
Isolation of eggs in fecal smear
Treatment:
Albendazole or Mebendazole. Studies done to show benefits of treatment based on number of eggs per gram of feces in school children.
Hookworm Egg
Note that eggs of both species are indistinguishable
images from
Hookworm Larva
Hookworm Mouth
Necator Americanus with Cutting Plates
A. Duodenale features cutting teeth instead of plates.
Hookworm (Necator Americanus and Ancylostoma Duodenale) is a common and chronic parasitic infection of the GI tract. The disease is usually found when a person living in tropical areas shows up with iron deficient anemia or malnutrition. The worms live in the intestines and attach to the walls of the intestinal tract, causing blood loss. Blood loss can cause iron deficiency over time because iron is a part of blood. Infection occurs when the worm penetrates the skin of the foot, as the person walks in soil contaminated with feces from those with the infection. The larvae (baby worms) migrate to the lungs, just like Ascaris Lumbricoides. As the feces get into the soil, new larvae are formed, waiting to get into the next person’s foot. To prevent this, wear shoes when walking around. Treatment is with Albendazole.
