Ancylostoma duodenale

Ancylostoma duodenale

Ancylostoma duodenale (pronounced: an-sy-lo-sto-ma doo-oh-den-ale) is a species of parasitic hookworm that causes hookworm disease in humans. It is one of the two most common species of hookworms that infect humans, the other being Necator americanus.

Etymology

The name Ancylostoma duodenale derives from the Greek words "ankylos" meaning curved or bent, and "stoma" meaning mouth, referring to the hook-like mouthparts of the worm. "Duodenale" refers to the duodenum, the part of the small intestine where the adult worms reside.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Ancylostoma duodenale begins when the eggs are passed in the feces of an infected person. If these eggs contaminate soil and conditions are favorable, they hatch into larvae. These larvae can penetrate the skin of a human host, usually through the feet, and migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs. From the lungs, they are coughed up and swallowed, reaching the small intestine where they mature into adult worms.

Symptoms and Treatment

Infection with Ancylostoma duodenale can cause a range of symptoms, including anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. In severe cases, it can lead to developmental delays and learning difficulties in children. The infection is diagnosed by identifying hookworm eggs in a stool sample.

Treatment typically involves anthelmintic drugs such as mebendazole or albendazole, which kill the adult worms. In areas where hookworm is common, mass drug administration programs are often implemented to control the disease.

Prevention

Prevention of Ancylostoma duodenale infection involves improving sanitation and hygiene practices, including the use of proper toilets and the wearing of shoes to prevent skin contact with contaminated soil.

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