Causes and risk factors
Hookworm diseases are caused due to hookworm parasite. There are different types of hookworms but the common causative agents are Nectar Americans and Ancylostoma duodenal. The eggs of these parasites are found in the warm and moist soil. There they hatch into a larvae and through the contaminated food enter or through direct contact with the skin they enter the human body, after traveling through the body they reach the stomach where they moulds into adult worm. The adult worm then lays eggs which are passed through the feces into the environment and thus a new cycle continues. Contamination of the infected soil with food or working in soil or infected dirt areas causes transmission of the organism. An immune compromised people, old people and children whose immunity is yet to build up completely are at high risk for developing the infection.
Clinical presentation
Direct penetration of the larvae into the skin can lead to development of red rash and itching at the infected area. Ingestion through food causes pain in abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient experience cramps while passing stools. The stool is watery and bloody. Fever, loss of appetite, weakness, anal itching and purities are the other symptoms seen. It leads to protein and iron deficiency and hampers the overall nutrition status of the individual. It also causes ascites. Recurrent infection in children hampers the physical and mental development of the child due to lack of important nutrition.
Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and on examining the skin lesion. Stool examination is a diagnostic tool. Diagnosis can also be confirmed with the help of endoscopy. Certain other routine investigations like complete blood count; urine test etc can also be advised.
Treatment
Administration of oral medications is the only line of treatment.Antihemnintics are the choice of drugs. Iron supplements can also be advised. In severe cases like ascites the person is administered and appropriate treatment is given. Along with this certain preventive measures needs to be implemented. It comprises of maintaining proper personal hygiene, avoiding open defecation, do not use untreated nigh soil as fertilizer. One should avoid walking barefoot in soil or infected prone areas.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Facts and figures:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Incidence of hookworm infection is estimated to be 576 to 740 million people worldwide.