Hook Worm Disease

Hookworm Disease is caused by a species of hookworm that are intestinal parasites, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Symptoms of mild diarrhea and abdominal pain are most common, though serious complications can arise if left untreated. Susceptible hosts, such as infants, pregnant women, and malnourished persons should be the most concerned. In 2002, the estimated number of persons infected with hookworm was 1.3 billion.

Location

• Both species of parasite (Ancylostoma duodenale and Nector americanus) are found all over the world in warm, moist climates. Large outbreaks of hookworm occur in areas where sanitation is poor and human fecal matter is used to fertilize soil. Hookworms release eggs through stool into soil, which then hatch into the infective larvae. In the 20th century, the Southeastern United States had a large outbreak that has since been controlled.

Infection

• The hookworm and the hookworm eggs are not infectious. However, once the eggs hatch into larvae, the parasites can burrow into skin and be carried to the lungs, travel through the respiratory tract into the mouth, and eventually find a way into the small intestine. Infection occurs when skin comes in contact with soil that carries hookworm larvae or with ingestion of contaminated soil. It takes approximately a week for the larvae to reach the small intestine, where they "grow into half-inch-long worms, attach to the intestinal wall, and suck blood"---causing discomfort and potential health hazards.

Those At Risk

• Any person who has consistent contact with soil is at the most risk, especially when the soil contains human feces. People who walk barefoot are also highly at risk, due to the constant skin-to-ground contact. Children, who play in the dirt and often travel barefoot, are also high risk. Since infection occurs through soil, person-to-person contact does not increase the risk of infection. Children at daycare centers or schools are not at more risk.

Symptoms

• According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 11, 2008, "Itching and a rash at the site of where skin touched soil is usually the first sign of infection." The itching and rash occur when the larvae burrow into the skin. Light infection may cause minimal symptoms such as abdominal pain and mild diarrhea. Heavy infection can cause anemia---the decrease in normal number of red blood cells---intense abdominal pain, heavy diarrhea, loss of appetite, sluggishness, difficulty breathing with exertion, and significant weight loss. Chronic occurrences of heavy infection can stunt growth and brain development and lead to congestive heart failure.

Treatment/Prevention

• If these symptoms are noticed, visit a health care center. Diagnosis of a stool sample will identify hookworm eggs and, thus, infection. Treatment lasts one to three days and consists of prescribed medication by a doctor. "The drugs are effective and appear to have few side effects" reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the patient is suffering from anemia, iron samples may be prescribed. A doctor may request another stool sample after treatment to ensure recovery. Preventative measures can be taken by not coming in direct contact with soil---wear shoes, gloves, and other protective layers when dealing with soil. Do not walk barefoot or use bare hands to touch soil.