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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
1:11 Causes of Hookworm
2:07 Signs and Symptoms of Hookworm
2:34 Diagnosis of Hookworm
2:55 Treatment of Hookworm



Hookworms are intestinal, bloodfeeding, parasitic roundworms that cause types of infection known as helminthiases. Hookworm infection is found in many parts of the world,[1] and is common in areas with poor access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. In humans, infections are caused by two main species of roundworm, belonging to the genera Ancylostoma and Necator. In other animals the main parasites are species of Ancylostoma.


The two species that commonly infect humans have a similar morphology. A. duodenale worms are pale grey or slightly pink. The head is bent a little in relation to the rest of the body, forming a hook shape – hence the name. The hook is at the front end of the body. They have welldeveloped mouths with two pairs of teeth. Males measure approximately 10 by 0.5 mm, and females are often longer and stouter. Males also have a prominent copulatory bursa posteriorly.[4]

N. americanus is generally smaller than A. duodenale, with males usually being 5 to 9 mm long and females about 10 mm long. Instead of the two pairs of teeth in A. duodenale, N. americanus has a pair of cutting plates in the buccal capsule. Also, the hook is much more defined in Necator americanus.[4]