Hookworm is a generic name for a small group of parasites that latch onto the intestines of their victims through hook-like appendages near their mouths. Millions of people worldwide become infested with hookworms, as have literally billions of our ancestors since the dawn of time. Knowing a bit about their history and how modern medicine can treat hookworms is an important part of maintaining your overall health and well-being.
Life Cycle
Hookworms are parasites whose life cycle has evolved over the centuries to take advantage of human and animal behavior. Hookworm eggs are laid in the intestines of an infected person or animal and are excreted with the host's feces. The larvae hatch from the eggs and remain in the soil until a new victim comes along. The hook-like mouth appendage allows the hookworm larvae to burrow into the skin and enter the bloodstream. Eventually, the blood carries them to the lungs where they cause coughing. Coughing dislodges the larvae into the throat and down into the stomach. From the stomach, they migrate to the intestines and attach there, becoming adult worms and laying eggs to start the cycle all over again.
Species
There are four main species of hookworms, but all prefer to live in tropic or sub-tropic environments where the warm, wet and soft soil makes a great home for larvae. Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale are known to infest only humans while Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Ancylostoma braziliense infest animals as well as humans. Hookworms are prevalent in the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, South America, and the United States' Southeastern states (Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, etc.).
Risks
Hookworms have been common in human civilizations, particularly around the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia, since the dawn of recorded human history. Usually the most susceptible communities are those with poor sanitation and/or a society without adequate foot protection. Shoes, sandals and boots prevent the hookworm from latching onto the skin, thus preventing infection. For example, in the early 20th century, the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission found a link between hookworm infestation and lack of shoe wearing in children and adults in America's Southeastern states.
Prevention
The best prevention of hookworm infestation is to wear shoes and to wash your hands frequently. In the United States, infestations of hookworm among humans are rare both because of the prevalence of shoes and because of sanitary standards. Still, children should not go shoeless, particularly in areas where they may come in contact with infested feces or soil.
Treatment
Luckily, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic (such as mebendazole) taken for a few days tends to rid the body of hookworm infestation. These anti-parasitics and anti-worm medications tend to have few side effects but it is still possible to remain infected if the dosing guidelines are not followed. These medications also do not prevent a re-infestation or re-infection.
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