Definition A hookworm is any type of roundworm. This parasite causes intestinal infection in animals and humans. It is very common. In fact, about one-fourth of the world's population is infected with hookworms.
What is going on in the body? Hookworm eggs need warm, moist soil in order to develop into larvae. Humans can acquire the parasite by coming in contact with contaminated soil, often by walking with bare feet. The worms penetrate the skin, enter the bloodstream, and are carried to the lungs. From there, they travel up the airway to the mouth, are swallowed, and sent to the small intestine.
Once in the small intestine, the worms attach themselves to the intestinal wall. It is there that the females will lay their eggs into the faecal stream. These eggs, if passed into the soil, will begin the life cycle again.
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection? Many people infected with hookworms do not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Some people may also suffer from anaemia or a low red blood cell count. A person with anaemia may have fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing during activity, and headaches. Anaemia can be particularly severe in children who have been infected for a long time.
What are the causes and risks of the infection? Hookworm is most common in warm, moist places where sanitation is poor. Transmission usually occurs through contaminated soil. It is due either to a lack of sanitary facilities or to the use of human manure as fertiliser. Infection can occur when foods contaminated with hookworm cysts are eaten.
What can be done to prevent the infection? Wearing shoes in high-risk areas can help prevent a hookworm infection. Treatment of all infected individuals is important. Screening and treatment of high risk individuals will help decrease disease. The ultimate prevention involves proper disposal of human faeces.
How is the infection diagnosed? Hookworm is diagnosed by examining a stool specimen. Eggs will be seen in a person infected with the adult worm. Sometimes adult worms may be found in the person's stool or vomit. Chest x-rays may reveal signs of the migration into the lungs. A full blood count, or FBC, may show anaemia.
What are the long-term effects of the infection? A hookworm infection can cause iron deficiency anaemia and low levels of protein in the blood can occur if blood is lost through intestinal bleeding. In children, slow growth, heart failure, and widespread tissue swelling may result from the blood loss.
What are the risks to others? A person who excretes hookworm eggs and does not properly dispose of his or her stool puts others at risk for hookworm infection.
What are the treatments for the infection? Hookworm is treated with albendazole or pyrantel pamoate. These medications are taken by mouth for 1 to 3 days. If anaemia is present, iron supplements may be given to correct the anaemia.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects of the medications used to treat hookworm include:
Side effects of iron supplements include constipation.
What happens after treatment for the infection? After treatment, a person's stool should be check again for hookworm infection. If eggs are still present, treatment should be repeated.
How is the infection monitored? If symptoms of a hookworm infection return, the stool should be rechecked.
Author: Danielle Zerr, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
