Hookworms in humans (hookworm)
Ankylostomiasis accounts for about 30% of all cases of diagnosed helminthiasis. This disease is caused by round parasites from the Ancylostomatidae family. They are divided into two subspecies: crooked head (Ancylostoma duodenale) and nekator (Ancylostoma duodenale). Despite some differences in the size, structure of the oral cavity, in the timing of the larvae reaching sexual maturity, these vectors of hookworm infection have much in common.
Content:
- Hookworm life cycle
- Hookworm symptoms
- Diagnosis of hookworm infection
- How to get rid of a hookworm?
- Prevention of hookworm infection
- The consequences of the disease for the human body
Hookworm life cycle
In the body, hookworms in humans go through a maturation cycle to a sexually mature individual, that is, it is the final host for the parasite. The main habitat of the helminth is the duodenum, from where the eggs enter the environment together with feces.
Hookworm development cycle:
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After entering the soil, the larvae transform into a rhabdoid form, and then become filarial larvae. This form is capable of infection. For such a transformation of eggs into larvae, certain conditions are required: a temperature of at least + 27 ° C, high humidity, aerated soil.
- For a year and a half, the filariform larva retains the ability to invade (penetrate) the human body in order to reach sexual maturity in it.
- The percutaneous route of infection is through the skin. Having penetrated into the deep layers of the dermis, the larva enters the bloodstream, then with its current it enters the respiratory system, into the mouth and from there enters the intestines.
- The oral route of infection is carried out by swallowing the larvae. They immediately enter their habitat and begin to invade the intestinal mucosa.
- After 1.5-3 months of living in the digestive tract, female hookworms become sexually mature and lay eggs.
- After the isolation of hookworm eggs, along with feces, a new cycle of helminth development begins.
The productivity of one female hookworm is 6-55 thousand eggs per day. Eggs are not visible to the naked eye, they have an oval shape, a thin shell, distinguishable only under a microscope.
Ways of infection with parasites:
- When walking barefoot;
- When using raw water and poorly washed vegetables that have entered the body with soil particles;
- When working in a mine;
- When children come into contact with soil contaminated with sand in the playground.
Hookworm symptoms
During the latent movement of the hookworm larva in a person through the body, it is not always possible to determine the onset of infection in time. The disease occurs in two forms: acute and chronic.
Symptoms of the acute form, diagnosed only with percutaneous infection (through the skin):
- Dermatitis at the site of larval introduction, red and itchy skin, peeling, cracks, erosion and blisters;
- Allergic rhinitis, swelling and rashes due to toxic damage;
- Secondary skin infection (pustules, scratching, pyoderma);
- Loeffler's symptom during the migration of larvae into the respiratory system (choking, shortness of breath, hoarseness, symptoms of false croup).
Symptoms of the chronic form, diagnosed when the parasite is localized in the duodenum:
- Dyspepsia (vomiting, nausea, lack of appetite, heaviness in the abdomen);
- "Hungry" pain in the spoon of high intensity;
- Cramping pain around the navel;
- Diarrhea;
- Iron deficiency anemia (fatigue, pallor of the skin, brittle hair and nails, alopecia, burning of the tongue).
Ankylostomosis is almost constantly accompanied by inflammation of the small intestine (duodenitis, periduodenitis).
Diagnosis of hookworm infection
The main method for diagnosing hookworm infection in humans is the study of feces. Carrying out a coprogram allows you to detect not only helminth eggs, but also adult hookworm infections. In addition, the infectious disease doctor, when making a diagnosis, takes into account the patient's anamnesis. He may be alarmed by a combination of allergies and anemia, complaints of digestive pathology. Since the tropics and subtropics are regions endemic for hookworm infection, staying there is always a cause for concern.
Additional research methods:
- Complete blood count - low hemoglobin is detected, a decrease in the number of red blood cells, an increase in the level of eosinophils.
- Biochemical blood test - a decrease in the level of potassium (with diarrhea), the level of total protein.
- Endogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) - diagnoses damage to the mucous membrane of the small intestine damaged by parasites.
The doctor differentiates ankylostomiasis from other types of helminthiasis, stomach and small intestine ulcers, allergic urticaria, diphyllobothriasis.
How to get rid of a hookworm?
Modern medicines will help expel the helminth in a short time:
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Albendazole 
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A universal drug that helps with many types of parasite infestation, effective, safe and inexpensive. The course of deworming is from 1 to 3 days. |
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Levamisole 
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An effective drug, has a large number of contraindications, the course of treatment is 1 day. |
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Pirantel 
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Effective and safe, used to treat children and pregnant women. The course of deworming is from 1 to 3 days. |
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Mebendazole 
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Most often used when banishing a nekator. The course of treatment is from 1 to 3 days. |
Control the effectiveness of treatment by examining the results of the coprogram. If there are hookworm eggs in the feces, the course of treatment is repeated. Additionally, anemia is treated with iron and folic acid.
Prevention of hookworm infection
In order not to expose health to the risk of infection with this type of helminthiasis, it is enough to strictly observe the basic rules of hygiene: wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating, sprinkle vegetables and fruits with hot water before using them for food. You should not drink raw water, boil it before drinking. When visiting a mine or cellar, basement, closed tight shoes should be worn. In an area endemic for hookworm infection, you do not need to walk barefoot on the grass or sand. After working in the garden, it is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly in the garden.
The consequences of the disease for the human body
Untreated hookworm infection leads to anemia (iron deficiency anemia), since the helminth consumes up to 0.3 ml per day from the intestinal mucosa per day. Intoxication with the products of the parasite's activity leads to frequent allergic reactions. The mobility of parasites, their constant attachment to the mucous membrane leads to intestinal trauma. This factor is the reason for the addition of a secondary bacterial infection, malignant transformation.
Timely treated hookworm infection does not leave serious consequences and complications, has a favorable prognosis.
Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist
Education: in 2008 received a diploma in General Medicine (General Medicine) at the Pirogov Russian Research Medical University. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist
