Hookworms Infection

Infection by hookworms is considered a parasitic disease and there are two types of worms responsible for the infection, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2002, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide are infected with hookworms. Hookworm is not an infectious disease in that it is not transmitted from person to person.

Infection

• Hookworms thrive in tropical climates and, though rare, cases do still occur in the southern United States. Hookworm eggs are excreted in the feces of an infected person. The eggs pose no risk of infection for hookworm. If, however, the eggs are excreted in an area with poor sanitary conditions they may reach the soil. If the conditions are favorable, the eggs will go through an incubation period of about 1 to 3 days and larvae will hatch. If a person exposes bare skin to the soil, perhaps by walking barefoot, the larvae can penetrate the skin and the person is infected.

Hookworm Lifecycle

• Once the hookworm larvae have entered the body through the skin, they can travel through the lymphatic system or through the blood to the lungs. The larvae move up through the respiratory tract, are coughed up into the mouth and then are swallowed into the digestive tract. Once reaching the intestines the larvae finish growing into adult hookworms. The adult worms attach themselves to the intestinal wall and, using an anti-clotting agent, consume blood from the human host. The female worms then begin producing eggs which are excreted in the stool.

Symptoms

• The appearance and severity of symptoms depend largely on how badly the person is infected with larvae. In cases where there is only a small infection, there may be no appearance of symptoms. In cases of significant infection, the first symptom is usually a rash at the point of infection. When the larvae are in the lungs, coughing and a fever can occur. When the adult worms are in the intestine, the symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea and anemia.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• A diagnosis for hookworm infection requires the examination of a stool sample. The presence of hookworm eggs is the basis for a positive diagnosis. In the event of a positive diagnosis, the patient is treated with oral, anti-parasitic medication. Common anti-parasitic medications used to treat hookworm infection are albendazole, mebendazole and pyrantel pamoate. These medications are generally well tolerated and have few side effects, but may not be prescribed for pregnant women.

Dangers

• Even though hookworm infections are easily treatable, they can still pose significant health risks if left untreated. In the case of children that suffer from chronic hookworm infections, the ongoing loss of blood can lead to a protein deficiency and anemia. This can lead to problems with both physical and mental development. Severe infections with the hookworm parasite can also lead to cases of congestive heart failure.