Types of Hookworms

A human hookworm infection occurs through soil transmission, which can be caused by either the parasites Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Hookworms infect their hosts, such as humans or animals, by burrowing into their host's skin when the parasite comes into contact with a source. A hookworm can burrow into your hands, feet, legs or arms. It is possible in some circumstances, to ingest Ancylostoma duodenale through contaminated meat or water. Once an infection occurs, symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Ancylostoma Duodenale

• A. duodenale is a parasitic human infection. Animals such as dogs and cats can also become infected with hookworms. Parasitic hookworm infections that occur within dogs and cats are known as A. caninum, A. braziliense and A. tubaeforme. A. caninum only infects canines, while A. braziliense and A. tubaeforme infects felines. A. caninum and A. braziliense can be passed to humans through infected stool. This is more common among children who play in backyards and come into contact in areas where your pet has defecated.

A. Duodenale Cycle

• An infected animal passes the eggs of A. duodenale through their stool. Eggs will then hatch within two days. The newly hatched larvae will continue to grow either within the infected stool or soil. Within five to 10 days, the larvae are now at a stage where they can infect a host. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the larvae can now survive for up to four weeks until they can manage to find a host.

Human Contact

• Once a larvae finds a host, the larvae will tunnel their way into your skin and are then carried through your blood vessels. Your blood vessels will carry the larvae from your heart to your lungs. When you cough, the larvae are dislodged from within your lungs, and swallowed. The larvae will eventually migrate to your intestines, where they will then continue to mature into adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is possible to eliminate adult worms from your intestines within two years, but adult hookworms can live within your small intestines for many years.

Necator Americanus

• N. americanus have a life cycle similar to A. duodenale. When the larvae find their way into the host's intestines, they will reach maturity and reproduce within their host's intestines. According to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, reproductive female adults are able to lay up to 10,000 eggs in one day. These eggs are then passed into the stool of their infected host, which can then begin a whole new cycle of infection.

Symptoms of Infection

• The first sign of infection is a rash and localized itching where your skin has touched infected soil. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the symptoms occur as the hookworms are entering your skin. If you have a serious hookworm infection, you can develop severe bouts of diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite and anemia. Children who have chronic hookworm infections may develop stunted growth and developmental issues.

Treatment

• When you develop a hookworm infection, your doctor will prescribe a parasitic killing medication, which will kill the adult worms. According to the World Health Organization, drugs such as albendazole and mebendazole are usually prescribed to exterminate the hookworms. You will have to give stool samples to ensure that you're being rid of the disease. Keep in mind, that it is still possible to pass eggs within your stool, and re-infect yourself with the eggs. Always carefully wash your hands, especially under your nails with warm soap and water after using the restroom.