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Hookworm infection

Hookworm disease; Ground itch;   Ancylostoma duodenale infection; Necator americanus infection; Parasitic infection - hookworm

 

Hookworm infection is caused by roundworms. The disease affects the small intestine and lungs.

Causes

 

The infection is caused by infestation with any of the following roundworms:

  • Necator americanus
  • Ancylostoma duodenale
  • Ancylostoma ceylanicum
  • Ancylostoma braziliense

The first 2 roundworms affect humans only. The last 2 types also occur in animals.

Hookworm disease is common in the moist tropics and subtropics. In developing nations, the disease leads to the death of many children by increasing their risk for infections that their bodies would normally fight off.

There is very little risk of getting the disease in the United States because of advances in sanitation and waste control. The important factor in getting the disease is walking barefoot on ground where there are feces of people who have hookworm.

The larvae (immature form of the worm) enter the skin. The larvae move to the lungs via the bloodstream and enter the airways. The worms are about one half inch (1 centimeter) long.

After traveling up the windpipe, the larvae are swallowed. After the larvae are swallowed, they infect the small intestine. They develop into adult worms and live there for 1 or more years. The worms attach to the intestinal wall and suck blood, which results in iron deficiency anemia and protein loss. Adult worms and larvae are released in the feces.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Gas
  • Itchy rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Pale skin

Most people have no symptoms once the worms enter the intestines.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Tests that can help diagnose the infection include:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
  • Stool ova and parasites exam

 

Treatment

 

The goals of treatment are to:

  • Cure the infection
  • Treat complications of anemia
  • Improve nutrition

Parasite-killing drugs such as albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate are often prescribed.

Symptoms and complications of anemia are treated, if needed. The health care provider will likely recommend increasing the amount of protein in your diet .

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

You will have a complete recovery if you get treated before serious complications develop. Treatment gets rid of the infection.

 

Possible Complications

 

Health problems that may result from hookworm infection include:

  • Iron deficiency anemia , caused by loss of blood
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Severe protein loss with fluid buildup in the abdomen ( ascites )

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider if symptoms of hookworm infection develop.

 

Prevention

 

Handwashing and wearing shoes will reduce the likelihood of infection.

 

 

References

Diemert DJ. Intestinal nematode infections. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 357.

Hotez PJ. Hookworms ( Necator americanus and Angylostoma spp.). In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 292.

 
  • Hookworm - mouth of the organism - illustration

    Necator americanus

    Hookworm - mouth of the organism

    illustration

  • Hookworm - close-up of the organism - illustration

    Ancyclostoma duodenale

    Hookworm - close-up of the organism

    illustration

  • Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum - illustration

    This is a photograph of a hookworm on the lining of the intestine. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

    Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum

    illustration

  • Hookworm egg - illustration

    This is a hookworm egg. Hookworms hatch in damp vegetation. Their larvae can enter the human body through the skin, even without cuts or abrasions. Once through the skin, they begin the next step of their life cycle.

    Hookworm egg

    illustration

  • Hookworm rhabditiform larva - illustration

    The larva of a hookworm is visible in the center of this photograph.

    Hookworm rhabditiform larva

    illustration

  • Digestive system organs - illustration

    The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

    Digestive system organs

    illustration

    • Hookworm - mouth of the organism - illustration

      Necator americanus

      Hookworm - mouth of the organism

      illustration

    • Hookworm - close-up of the organism - illustration

      Ancyclostoma duodenale

      Hookworm - close-up of the organism

      illustration

    • Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum - illustration

      This is a photograph of a hookworm on the lining of the intestine. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

      Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum

      illustration

    • Hookworm egg - illustration

      This is a hookworm egg. Hookworms hatch in damp vegetation. Their larvae can enter the human body through the skin, even without cuts or abrasions. Once through the skin, they begin the next step of their life cycle.

      Hookworm egg

      illustration

    • Hookworm rhabditiform larva - illustration

      The larva of a hookworm is visible in the center of this photograph.

      Hookworm rhabditiform larva

      illustration

    • Digestive system organs - illustration

      The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

      Digestive system organs

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Hookworm infection

           

             

            Review Date: 9/10/2015

            Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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