Introduction Hookworm
Introduction
Hookworms are parasitic nematode worms that live in the small intestine of humans and
animals, feeding on blood. They attach to the intestinal wall using their hook-like
mouthparts and are responsible for hookworm disease, which causes nutritional
deficiencies. They are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.
Family: Ancylostomatidae
History/Background
1838: Italian physician Angelo Dubini discovered Ancylostoma duodenale in a
cadaver's small intestine.
1902: American parasitologist Charles Wardell Stiles identified Necator
americanus, the predominant hookworm species in the Americas
Parasitic Species of Hookworm
Human Host:
1. Ancylostoma duodenale
o Meaning: "Curved mouth of the
duodenum."
o Found in the Middle East, North
Africa, India, China, and parts of
Europe.
o Transmission:
Primary: Skin penetration
Secondary: Oral ingestion,
transmammary transmission
(in some cases).
Dormant Larvae
Activation: A.
duodenale larvae can remain
dormant and reactivate later.
Morphology:
o Adults are white or pinkish.
o Males have a copulatory bursa; females are slightly larger.
o Buccal capsule has four hook-like teeth on the ventral
surface and two knob liketeeth on the dorsal surface.
o
2. Necator americanus
o Meaning: "American killer."
o Found in the Americas, Africa,
Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
Islands.
o Transmission:
Primary: Skin penetration
Secondary: Rare oral
ingestion.
Morphology:
o Adults slightly smaller than A. duodenale.
o Similar life cycle, pathogenesis, and lab diagnosis
Animal Host:
1. Ancylostoma caninum (Canine hookworm
o Found in warm, humid regions.
o Transmission:
Primary: Skin penetration
Secondary: Oral ingestion,
transmammary
Morphology:
o Prominent buccal capsule with three pointed teeth on each side.
o Males: 10–12 mm long; Females: 14–20 mm long.
o Eggs: Oval, thin-walled, measuring 55-75 µm by 35-45 µm.
Diseases:
Causes Canine Hookworm Disease (severe anemia in puppies).
Zoonotic potential: Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) in humans.
2. Ancylostoma braziliense
o Primarily infects cats and dogs but
can cause Cutaneous Larva
Migrans (CLM) in humans.
o Found in tropical and subtropical
regions.
o Unlike other hookworms, it does not
typically establish intestinal infections
in human
Morphology
Adults: Small, thread-like worms (~1cm long), white or pinkish in color.
Eggs: Oval, thin-walled, transparent hyaline shell, containing segmented
ovum
with four blastomeres.
Differences Between Male & Female: Males have a copulatory bursa; females
are slightly larger.
Diseases:
o Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM) in humans (itchy, serpiginous skin
lesions).
o Rarely causes intestinal infections in humans.
Life Cycle of Hookworm
Human Hookworm
Animal Hookworm
1. Eggs are passed in feces.
2. Larvae hatch in warm, moist soil.
3. Infective larvae penetrate the skin or are ingested.
4. Larvae migrate to the intestines, mature, and lay eggs.
5. Cycle repeats.
Clinical Manifestations
Acute Infections: Severe anemia, bloody diarrhea, rapid weight loss.
Chronic Infections: Mild anemia, intermittent diarrhea, poor coat condition (in
animals).
Larval Migrans: Causes CLM in humans (itchy, winding skin lesions).
Diagnosis
Fecal Examination: Identifies eggs via flotation techniques.
Blood Tests: Detect anemia and eosinophilia.
ELISA & PCR Tests: Detect hookworm antigens and DNA.
Prevention & Control
1. Deworming: Routine use of anthelmintics.
2. Sanitation: Proper fecal disposal to prevent soil contamination.
3. Hygiene: Wearing shoes in endemic areas.
4. Pet Management: Regular deworming of animals to reduce environmental
contamination.
