Hookworms Flashcards
Ancyclostoma caninum affects….
Dogs only
Ancyclostoma tubaeforme affects…
Cats only
Ancyclostoma braziliense affects….
Dogs and Cats
Uncinaria stenocephala affects….
Dogs and Cats
This hookworm is found in Tropical and Subtropical regions all over the globe & is the most common cause of Canine Hookworm Disease
Ancyclostoma caninum
Hookworm that is most common cause for Feline Hookworm Disease and is found in Tropical/Subtropical regions globally
Ancyclostoma tubaeforme
This hookworm is found sparsely from FL to NC, in Central/South America, and in Africa
Ancyclostoma braziliense
This hookworm is the primary cause for canine hookworm disease in Canada and the northern edge of the US, is found in cooler regions
Uncinaria stenocephala
Which body system do all of the previously mentioned species of hookworms affect
Small intestine
General size of hookworms
0.5-1inch in length; not easily visible grossly
Describe hookworm larvae
Elongated and cylindrical
Immature larva vs. mature hookworm
Mature hookworms are larger and have a more rounded oral cavity
What 2 distinguishable features do Male hookworms have
Copulatory bursa and Copulatory spicule
What 3 distinguishable features do Female hookworms have
Anal pore, Uterus, and females have a more tapered end
How many pairs of teeth does A. caninum have?
3
How many pairs of teeth do A. tubaeforme have?
3
How many pairs of teeth do A. braziliense have?
2 pairs
How many pairs of teeth do U. stenocephala have?
None; they have cutting plates
When is the pre-patent period and infective stage for hookworms, respectively?
2 weeks; L3 larval stage
Name the 2 ways a host can become infected by hookworms?
Oral route or Skin route
Describe the 4 steps of hookworm infection via Oral Route
1) eggs are passed from host’s feces, hatch into L1 larvae that develop into L3 larvae which contaminates the soil
2) Host ingests L3 larvae contaminated soil or grass
3) Infective L3 larvae migrate to small intestines
4) Larvae mature into adult worms and produce more eggs
Describe a hookworm infection via the Skin route
( 3 steps-hint)
1) Infective L3 larvae enter host skin, then body tissue via penetration and arrest development
2) Larvae development is triggered by pregnancy or presence of concurrent disease
3) Infective larvae arrive in small intestines; if pregnant then they also enter mammary tissue. Cycle repeats
General Hookworm Clinical signs
Intestinal irritation, damage, and bleeding
Clinical signs of A. caninum
Anemia, bloody diarrhea/dark feces, weight loss, rough coat, worms in feces
Clinical signs of A. tubaeforme
Usually none, but can see weight loss, anemia, and darkened stool
How can you diagnose hookworm infections?
Via fecal flotation
What would you see if you were looking at A. caninum under a microscope?
Oval-shaped, thin-shelled, multicellular eggs
What drug is used to treat hookworm infections?
(Hint: Dr. Guy kept repeating thisssssss)
Pyrantel pamoate
T or F: Hookworms are zoonotic
True!
What is Cutaneous Larval Migrans in humans?
A hookworm infection caused by the burrowing of hookworms in the skin
