What disease is caused by hookworms?

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Hookworm is an infection of intestines caused by a parasite called hookworm. It is through hookdworm larvae and eggs found in dirt contaminated feces through which humans can contract hookworms.

Hookworm infection is caused by any of the types of hookworms called Ancylostoma Duodenale and Necator Americanus. After passing through human feces, the hookworm eggs end up on the ground, hatch into larvae and remain in the soil till they get a chance to get into human skin. After entering human skin the larvae travel through the bloodstream and then enter the lungs, windpipe and while swallowing enter in the small intestine also. Fully grown hookworms could live for one year and more in the small intestine before passing out through the feces. Risk of developing infection from hookworm is more in areas with poor sanitation and poor hygiene. The infection can occur in kittens and puppies and could pass on to humans through the pets feces and contaminated dirt. Ensuring that pets are de-wormed and vaccinated is essential.

The person can become anaemic if hookworm infection lasts for longer time and in severe cases could lead to heart failure. Suffering from malaria, pregnancy and not eating well could increase risk of suffering from severe anemia. Nutritional deficiency is another complication that can develop due to hookworm infection. Once protein and iron is lost, it can result in slow mental development and growth in children.

Symptoms of hookworm disease include itchy rash in the area where there is allergic reaction caused by larvae that enter into the skin. Other symptoms are diarrhea, appetite loss, pain in the abdomen, blood in the stools, cramping, colic and excessive crying in infants, fever intestinal cramps and nausea.

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Getting rid of the hookworm parasite is the main aim of treating infection caused by hookworm which affects the small intestine and lungs. Besides this treating complications caused by anemia and improving nutrition also form part of the treatment. Hookworm infection is treated by treating anemia related complications, improving nutrition and getting rid of parasites. Medications like Mebendazole and Albendazole are administered by the doctor to treat hookworm infection. Iron supplement and additional protein is also given to help recovery from any nutritional deficiency.

Hookworm infection risk can be best lowered by cleaning and cooking food well, using safe water for drinking, wearing proper shoes while going outdoors and washing hands well.

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