Hookworm
Hookworm Causes
Hookworm is a leading cause of maternal and child morbidity in the developing countries of the tropics and subtropics. In susceptible children hookworms cause intellectual, cognitive and growth retardation, intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity and low birth weight to newborns born to infected mothers. Hookworm infection is not commonly fatal, but anemia can be significant in the heavily infected individual.
Hookworm Definition
The hookworm is a parasitic nematode worm that lives in the small intestine of its host, which may be a mammal such as a dog, cat, or human. There are two species of hookworms commonly infect humans, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Hookworm Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on finding characteristic worm eggs on microscopic examination of the stools, although this is not possible in early infection. As the eggs of both Ancylostoma and Necator are indistinguishable, to identify the genus, they must be cultured in the lab to allow larvae to hatch out.
Hookworm Symptoms and Signs
There are no specific symptoms or signs of hookworm infection. They only arise from a combination of intestinal inflammation and progressive iron/protein-deficiency anemia. Larval invasion of the skin could give rise to intense, local itching, usually on the foot or lower leg, which can be followed by lesions that look like insect bites, can blister ("ground itch"), and last for a week or more.
Hookworm Treatment
The hookworm can be treated with cryotherapy when it is still within the skin. Albendazole is effective both in the intestinal stage and during the stage the parasite is still migrating beneath the skin.
Drugs used for treatment of Hookworm
Albenza
Drontal Allwormer For Cats
Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel Pamoate Suspension
Vermox