NECATOR, ANCYLOSTOMA (HOOKWORMS)

Question 1

What kind of pathogen are hookworms?

Answer 1

Parasite, hookworms!

Question 2

What are the common strains of hookworms?

Answer 2

-Necator Americanus
-Ancylostoma duodenale

Question 3

How long does N. americanus live in the body? What are its features?

Answer 3

3-9 years (oh my god)
-make less eggs/day
-0.2-0.4 inch long
-consume less of your blood (great guys)

Question 4

How long does A. duodenale live in the body? What are its features?

Answer 4

1-3 years
-make more eggs/day
-0.3-0.5 inch long
-consume more of your blood (rude guys)

Question 5

What is the pathogenesis of hookworms?

Answer 5

-Penetrate skin and travel from venules to the lungs
-coughed from lungs and swallowed
-puncture/feed on mucosal capillaries in the jejunum (small intestine)
-Adult females will produce eggs 6-8 weeks later

Question 6

What is the presentation of a hookworm infection?

Answer 6

-Itchy at entry site in skin (feet if barefoot on the beach)
-Typically asymptomatic
-May have respiratory/intestinal symptoms

Question 7

How can you diagnose a hookworm infection?

Answer 7

Stool sample will show eggs and parasites (eggs with shells)
*migratory phase into the intestines must happen before these features will show up in the stool
-CBC: anemia and increased eosinophils

Question 8

How can you treat a hookworm infection?

Answer 8

-Albendazole (single dose)
-Mebendazole (3 day course)
-Quarterly retreated until anemia improves

***re-infection is common in endemic/high occurrence areas