Hookworm Disease - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Hookworm is a parasitic intestinal infection.It may be caused most commonly by necator americanus. Hookworms live only in sandy or loamy soil. Heavy infection with hookworm can create serious health problems for newborns, children, pregnant women, and persons who are malnourished. Hookworm infections is occur mostly in tropical and subtropical climates and are estimated to infect about 1 billion people about one-fifth of the world's population. Two types of hookworm are responsible for hookworm disease in humans. The adult worm of both Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale is about 10 mm long, pinkish-white in color, and curved into an S-shape or double hook. Ancylostoma duodenale is found in southern Europe, northern Africa, northern Asia, and parts of South America.
Hookworm is Second species, Necator americanus was widespread in the southeastern United States early in this century. Life cycle of hookworms begins with the passing of hookworm eggs in human feces and their deposition into the soil. Larval growth is most proliferative in favorable soil that is sandy and moist, with an optimal temperature of 20-30°C. Under these conditions, the larvae hatch in 1 or 2 days to become rhabditiform larvae. Females may lay from 5,000 to 20,000 eggs a day after mating with the male in the host's intestines. These eggs are passed out of the host's body in feces. The eggs enter the soil, where they incubate. After about 48 hours, the immature larval form hatches out of the eggs. These larvae take about six weeks to develop into the mature larval form that is capable of causing human infection. Most people have no symptoms once the worms enter the intestines. However, iron deficiency anemia caused by loss of blood may result from heavy infestation.
Causes of Hookworm Disease
1.Poor sanitation and poverty.
2.Refugees.
3.International adoptees.
4.Recent immigrants.
Symptoms of Hookworm Disease
1.Fever.
2.Chills.
3.Skin rash.
4.Itching.
5.Headache.
6.Facial paralysis.
7.Muscle pains.
8.Joint inflammation.
Treatment of Hookworm Disease
1.Chemotherapeutics available for treatment of hookworm disease include the benzimidazoles, mebendazole and albendazole, and pyrantel pamoate.
2.Benzimidazoles are an effective chemotherapeutic option with cure rates greater than 90% after a full course of treatment.
3.Oral penicillin is usually prescribed for children. When given during the late stages, high-dose ceftriaxone I.V. may be a successful treatment.
4.Some herbs are thought to be effective in treating bacterial diseases like Lyme disease. A popular choice for this purpose is the western herb spilanthes.
5.There is often a recommendation made to increase the amount of protein in the diet to improve nutrition.
6.Involves improving sanitation and avoiding contact with soil in areas with high rates of hookworm infection.
7.Children should be required to wear shoes when playing outside in such areas, and people who are gardening should wear gloves.
8.Iron supplements improve motor and language development in infected children.
9.Anemia is treated with iron supplements. In severe cases, blood transfusion may be necessary
Related Tags: health diseases, hookworm disease, hookworm disease treatment tips, hookworm disease causes symptoms, what is hookworm disease, hookworm disease home treatment
Juliet Cohen writes articles on rare skin disorders and health disorders. She also writes articles on health care.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Relieve Back Pain From Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Disc With Laser Spine Surgery
Do you suffer from chronic back and neck pain? Do you need surgery, but you're afraid of invasive pr - Issues And Advantages Of Hemorrhoid Medical Procedures
Hemorrhoid surgery is what people resort to if other therapies have failed. Surgical elimination fre - Anyone Can Be Affected By Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme Disease is a tricky one to diagnose. It is incredibly easy to contract due to the size of the t - Are You Sick?
Symptoms for Lyme disease are numerous. A portion of these are very apparent. Some are more subtle a - Acne Curing Techniques - Natural Methods
This writeup suggests yet more ways of clearing your acne for good. Water helps flush the body of to - What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Problems?
Although many kidney problem symptoms share a variety of similarities, there are still variations de - Herpes - Treating The Pain
A herpes infection can be a very painful experience. This can also affect you physiologically, emoti - Personal Care Of Lung's Health: Avoiding Cancer
Cancer can be in the form of many names. It can affect even the smallest bone or muscle inside the h - Acid Reflux Disease - The Causes, Symptoms And Treatments
Acid reflux, or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that produces abnormal reflu - What Will Happen If Gout Or High Uric Acid Is Left Untreated
Gout is not just a is toe pain that comes and goes, gout is a warning that sign that your body is un
Most viewed articles in this category:
- How to Cure Candida with Acidophilus
If you are having Candida, you need to know about acidophilus as it might help you with your conditi - The Symptoms Of Anorexia And Bulimia Nervosa
One of the most notable symptoms of anorexia and bulimia is the fast and excessive loss of weight. T - Self Care Tips For People With Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease can be overwhelming for many people who have it. Not only must patients face the - Common Wart Removal Doctor
Most common wart removal doctor or dermatologists are not only dealing with common warts but also wa - Crohn's Disease and You
If you have recently been diagnosed with Crohn's disease or another Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Codliver Oil to Remove Skin Moles and Warts
The use of codliver oil to remove skin moles and warts is noted however this is less popular as comp - Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease - What To Look For
Parkinson's disease develops when the neurons of the substantia nigra in the brain become progressiv - Leaky Gut Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, and Colitis Linked to Altered Gut Permeability
Leaky gut syndrome:Leaky gut syndrome is a term often used in complementary or alternative medicine - Acid Reflux Disease Diet
Acid Reflux is becoming a common problem these days due to the changing life styles and poor eating - Viral Infection Headache From Meningitis
A viral infection headache can come from different types of viruses. The concern about having such