The scientific names of hookworm are Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. It is also known by the common name of New World Hookworm or the Old World Hookworm. It causes a disease called necatoriasis or ancylostomiasis. Hookworms are mainly found in tropical and sub tropical climates of the world. |
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Humans get infected by the hookworm when they come in direct contact with the infested soil. They can pass into the skin through areas where the skin is left unprotected like the feet. Once a person gets infected, the larvae can migrate into the blood stream and circulate in the entire body. They reach the gastro intestinal tract by reaching the mouth and being swallowed. They attach themselves to the walls of the small intestine until they grow into adults worms.
The adult worms are cylindrical in shape with their heads bent backwards and that is what gives them the hooked appearance. An average adult hookworm can measure about 5-10 millimeters in length and 0.2 to 0.5 mille meters in width. The hookworm species are of many types and mainly differentiated because of their buccal capsule. The hookworms eggs takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to hatch and they can be found in human feces once they lay eggs.
Hookworm infection is mainly treated using Albendazole or Mebendazole. However, this medication is not given to pregnant women as it can interfere with the growth of the fetus. You should never try to self medicate and always take a doctor’s advice.
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