Ankylostomiasis, often known as hookworm infection, is a disorder brought on by hookworms, which are parasitic worms that infect the small intestine of humans and other mammals. These microscopic worms, which are only half an inch long, cling to the intestinal lining with their hook-like mouthparts. The two primary hookworm species that infect people are Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale.Most cases of hookworm infection are caused by coming into touch with contaminated soil. The hookworm larvae are soil-dwelling organisms that can pierce the skin when an infected individual comes into touch with infested areas, commonly through bare feet. The larvae enter the body through the bloodstream, go to the lungs, cough them up, and then ingest them. They develop into adult worms in the small intestine, where they cling to the wall of the gut and consume the blood of the host.Depending on how severe the infestation is, different hookworm infections can cause different symptoms. In less severe cases, there might not be any symptoms at all or only a few little ones, including redness and itching where the entry point was. On the other hand, symptoms in more severe cases may include diarrhea, anemia from blood loss from the feeding hookworms, weight loss, and stomach pain. Medication to eradicate the worms is typically used as treatment for hookworm infections. Albendazole and mebendazole are commonly used drugs that effectively eradicate parasites from the body. In order to prevent reinfection, people with hookworm infection should not only take treatment but also modify their hygiene habits, such as wearing shoes in potentially contaminated places. Maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding contact with polluted soil are key to preventing hookworm infection. In locations where hookworms are common, particularly in tropical and subtropical zones, this involves wearing shoes. Furthermore, controlling the discharge of human waste can help stop hookworms from spreading throughout communities. In summary, hookworms are parasitic worms that cause a variety of symptoms in the small intestine, ranging from moderate itching to severe anemia. While therapy for hookworm infection consists of medication to kill the worms and alleviate symptoms, preventative measures including wearing shoes in at-risk locations and increasing sanitation can help lower the incidence of hookworm infection.
