What Is Microbiology - Hookworm Infection

​Hookworm infection 

There are two species of hookworm which may include ancylostoma duodenale and necator americanus. Hookworm infection is diagnosed by the present of egg in the stool.

Hookworm infection may present with symptoms and signs such as allergic rash, pneumonitis ( due to larval lung migration)  loss of weight, fatigue and microcyctic hypochromic anemia ( adult hookworm feed on the blood, patient may loss 0.2 ml blood per day).

The eggs of the hookworm from human feces may present in the soil which later develop into larvae in the soil. Larvae may penetrate into the skin which lead to infection. Larvae will transfer to the lung and finally end up in the small intestine as adult worms. 

Adult worms may produce more than 10 000 eggs which will be passed in the stool. 

Hookworm infection can be prevented by proper disposal of human waste and wearing the shoes. 

Hookworm can be killed with mebendazole and pyrantel pamoate.