Hookworm Infection

Hookworm infection is an infection by a type of intestinal parasite known as a hookworm. Itching and a rash may occur at the site of infection at first; those with many worms may have abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and tiredness, anemia may result, and the mental and physical development of children may be affected. Two common forms are ancylostomiasis and necatoriasis, caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Eggs deposited in the stools of infected people hatch into larvae in the environment, and the larvae penetrate the skin; one type can also be spread through contaminated food. Walking barefoot in warm climates where sanitation is poor is a risk factor. Treatment is typically albendazole or mebendazole for one to three days, and hookworms infected about 428 million people in 2015.