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The following text is from an archived Red Book® edition and may not reflect current recommendations or information. To view the current edition, click here.
Section 3. Summaries of Infectious Diseases
Hookworm Infections
(Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus)Clinical Manifestations
Etiology
Epidemiology
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment
Isolation of the Hospitalized Patient
Control Measures
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: Patients with hookworm infestation most often are asymptomatic; however, chronic hookworm infestation is a common cause of hypochromic microcytic anemia in people living in tropical developing countries, and heavy infestation can cause hypoproteinemia with edema. After contact with contaminated soil, initial skin penetration of larvae usually involving the feet can cause a stinging or burning sensation followed by pruritus and a papulovesicular rash that may persist for 1 to 2 weeks. Pneumonitis associated with migrating larvae is uncommon and usually mild, except in heavy infestations. Disease after oral ingestion of infectious Ancylostoma duodenale larvae can manifest with pharyngeal itching, hoarseness, nausea, and vomiting shortly after ingestion. Colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and/or diarrhea and marked eosinophilia can develop 4 to 6 weeks after exposure.
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ETIOLOGY: Infestation usually is caused by A duodenale or Necator americanus, 2 roundworms (nematodes) with similar life cycles.
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EPIDEMIOLOGY: Humans are the major reservoir. Hookworms are prominent in rural, tropical, and subtropical areas
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Related text in Red Book:
- Drugs for Parasitic Infections
Red Book 2003: 744-770.[Extract] [Full Version]
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