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What Are Hookworms?

Hookworms are common parasitic pests that can invade the intestines of humans, resulting in abdominal pain and mild diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that in the year 2002, more than a billion people worldwide were infected with hookworms. This parasite can result in serious health problems for newborns, children, pregnant women and people who are undernourished.

  1. Geography

    • Hookworms are found worldwide but are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Hookworms are most active and hookworm infection most widespread in areas where the climate is moist and warm.

    Types

    • There are two primary species of hookworms that infect humans: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. While both are found in a variety of geographical locations, Necator americanus is most commonly associated with the southeastern region of the United States.

    Infection

    • Hookworms are contracted by the contact of bare skin with hookworm larvae. The most common way to become infected with hookworms is walking barefoot on ground that has been contaminated with hookworm larvae. Infection can also result from accidentally ingesting contaminated soil. Hookworms are not contracted from direct human to human contact.

    Life Cycle

    • Female hookworms in the small intestine lay eggs that pass out of the body through human excrement. In areas where the stool reaches the soil, such as in areas where human excrement is used as a fertilizer, the eggs will hatch and the larvae appear. These larvae can penetrate the skin of a person who comes in contact with the contaminated soil, typically by walking barefoot on it. The hookworm larvae are carried by the blood system to the lungs and through the respiratory tract to the mouth, where they are swallowed and pass through the large intestine into the small intestine. Once in the small intestine, the larvae will grow until they reach approximately 1/2-inch long at maturity.

    Treatment

    • Hookworm infection is diagnosed by examination of a stool sample. Treatment is typically by oral medication. The treatments may last from one to three days and involve few if any side effects. An additional stool sample may be required to verify that you are free of infection.

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