Causes Of Hookworm Infection

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Hookworm Infection

Hookworm infection is an infection caused by parasitic roundworms that can live in the intestines or lungs. Hookworm infection is uncommon in the United States but is very common in developing parts of the world, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
Young hookworms (larvae) can enter the skin and travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. The hookworms can move up the windpipe (trachea) and down into the digestive tract. Adult hookworms can live for a year or more inside the small intestine. An undiagnosed and untreated infection can eventually lead to blood loss from the intestines and cause a low level of iron in the blood (iron deficiency anemia).

CAUSES
Hookworm infection is mainly caused by two species of worm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). An infected person passes hookworm eggs through stool (feces). Feces can get into the soil in areas where there is poor sanitation or where human feces is used as fertilizer. Hookworm eggs may develop into larvae and remain in the soil. The larvae can then pass into another person's skin after that …show more content…

These are often areas with poor sanitation. These areas include parts of:
○ Asia.
○ Africa.
○ Latin America.
• Walk barefoot in soil that may be contaminated with hookworm larvae.

SYMPTOMS
The first sign of infection is usually a very itchy rash in the spot on the body where the larvae entered the skin. This is usually on the hands or feet. As the worms pass through the body, other signs and symptoms may develop, including:
• Coughing, wheezing, sore throat, or fever as the worms infect the lungs. This may happen about a week after infection and may last for a month or longer.
• About 30–45 days after infection, you may develop symptoms that involve the digestive system. These may include:
○ Abdominal

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