Hook Worm
Necator americanus
This parasitic nematode resides in the small intestine of mammals, including humans, and affect over 600 million people worldwide. The complications of tissue migration and mechanical obstruction usually observed with roundworm infestation are less frequent in hookworm infestation. The primary risk of a hookworm infestation is anemia, namely iron deficiency anemia. This is brought about by the sucking of blood from the host's intestinal walls. While it is rarely fatal in developed countries, hookworm is a leading cause of maternal and child morbidity in undeveloped countries of the tropics and subtropics.
The eggs of hookworms can be found in warm, moist soil. They are found in to stools of infected individuals. The eggs themselves are indistinguishable so diagnosis depends on other symptoms.
These nematodes grow to a length of about 10mm. When they mate, the female lays eggs in the host. Females can lay as many as 10,000 to 25,000 eggs in one day. These eggs are then passed in the feces of the host. and typically hatch two days later. The main lines of protection against these parasites. are those dictated by sanitary science (e.g. only defecate in toilets, don't walk barefoot on infected soil, etc.)
These nematodes grow to a length of about 10mm. When they mate, the female lays eggs in the host. Females can lay as many as 10,000 to 25,000 eggs in one day. These eggs are then passed in the feces of the host. and typically hatch two days later. The main lines of protection against these parasites. are those dictated by sanitary science (e.g. only defecate in toilets, don't walk barefoot on infected soil, etc.)