​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Hookworm Infection (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - HookwormInfection (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) 
Hookworm Infection
 Both Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. These are both roundworms, or nematodes, and they lead similar lives.
 Likewise known as hookworm. The primary reservoir is people.

In the soil, eggs hatch into rhabditoid larvae, which then transform into infectious filariform larvae that can live there for several weeks or months. Filariform larvae directly penetrate the skin to cause infection. Larvae travel through the bloodstream to the heart and lungs. Eventually, they ascend the pulmonary tree, are swallowed, and arrive in the small intestine, where they mature into adult worms with a daily egg production of at least 5,000 and a lifespan of five to fifteen years. The cycle is then completed when the eggs hatch, pollute the soil, and are passed on in feces.

Most people don't have any symptoms, but others may experience pneumonitis during the larval lung migration or an allergic rash at the point of entry. Excessive worm loads can cause exhaustion, weight loss, and mental or physical impairment. Microcytic hypochromic anemia is brought on by a persistent infection.

Worm burden is directly correlated with pathogenesis. Because adult worms are blood-feeders, blood loss of up to 0.2 mL per worm each day and anemia may arise. Lung migration in larvae is linked to eosinophilia and pneumonia.

 The diagnosis is made by showing hookworm eggs in feces under a microscope.
 Worms can be killed with albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. Wearing shoes, learning about transmission, and disposing of human waste properly are all part of prevention.

---