Hookworm Characteristics

A hookworm is a type of parasitic helminth. Helminths are divided into three main groups: flatworms (platyhelminths), thorny headed worms (acanthocephalins) and roundworms (nematodes). Hookworms are roundworms that infect your intestinal tract when the larvae become adults. Hookworms have hook-like mouths, hence their name. Usually those who develop a hookworm infection will experience diarrhea and abdominal cramping. However, if an infection becomes severe, complications can result.

Life Cycle

• Hookworm eggs are passed into the soil from an infected animal. If conditions are right, such as moist weather, the larvae will hatch in about two days. The larvae will develop in the soil, whereby the larvae will undergo two molts in about 10 days. After the larvae go through a second molt, they will continue to survive in the soil until they come into contact with a host, such as a human. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a hookworm infection can occur when the larvae penetrate the skin. Larvae can dig into your skin when you walk barefoot in soil that is contaminated with eggs.

Infection

• Once the larvae have penetrated into your skin, the larvae will make their way into your pharynx via your lungs. You actually swallow the larvae, where they then will make their way to your small intestine. The larvae will live in the intestine and mature. The adults will hook themselves to your intestinal lining and feed from you, and you will begin to suffer blood loss.

Symptoms

• Those with a hookworm infection will develop a rash at the local site of where the larvae entered. Itching will soon follow. Over time, your symptoms will progress to anemia, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, appetite loss and weight loss. In underdeveloped countries, many sufferers who go without treatment develop stunted growth and mental developmental issues due to chronic infections.

Complications

• Women of reproductive age in underdeveloped countries are at great risk with a hookworm infection. According to the World Health Organization, pregnant women who have anemia as a result of a hookworm infection, will have children with low birth rate, an increased risk of death for themself and their child and milk production complications. Children can suffer iron and protein loss. Adults can suffer from fatigue, difficulty in breathing and possible heart failure.

Zoonotic Infection

• There are two main species of hookworms: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. It is possible for you to develop a hookworm infection from your pets if your cat or dog ingest A. duodenale eggs from contaminated soil. The transference of an infection from your pet to you is known as a zoonotic infection. Your pet can then pass infective eggs into the soil when they defecate in your backyard. This can be potentially hazardous to you and your family, as you can develop an infection by walking barefoot in your backyard. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children are at a higher risk of developing a hookworm infection because of play habits, such as more exposure to outside play or frequent petting of your pet.

Prevention

• Your pets will need regular checkups and deworming to ensure that they do not post a potential hazard to you and your family. Frequently clean up any animal feces to remove any possible infective eggs. If you have a sandbox outside, keep it covered. Always wash your hands and your children's hands after outside play.