Summary about Disease
Necatoriasis, also known as hookworm infection caused by Necator americanus, is a parasitic disease affecting primarily the small intestine. Humans become infected when larvae in contaminated soil penetrate the skin, typically through the feet. The larvae then migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs, are coughed up and swallowed, and eventually mature into adult worms in the small intestine. These worms attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, leading to anemia and other health issues.
Symptoms
Itchy rash (ground itch) at the site of larval penetration.
Coughing or wheezing during larval migration through the lungs.
Abdominal pain.
Diarrhea.
Loss of appetite.
Fatigue and weakness.
Iron deficiency anemia (leading to pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness).
In children, severe infections can lead to stunted growth and cognitive impairment.
Causes
Infection with the hookworm Necator americanus*.
Contact with soil contaminated with hookworm larvae.
Walking barefoot on contaminated soil is the most common route of infection.
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to soil contamination.
Medicine Used
Albendazole: A broad-spectrum anthelmintic medication used to kill the hookworms.
Mebendazole: Another anthelmintic medication effective against hookworms.
Pyrantel pamoate: An alternative anthelmintic.
Iron supplements: To treat iron deficiency anemia caused by hookworm infection.
Is Communicable
Necatoriasis is not directly communicable from person to person. The hookworm larvae must undergo development in the soil before they become infectious to humans. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated soil, not through direct contact with an infected individual.
Precautions
Wear shoes, especially in areas where hookworm is prevalent.
Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human feces.
Practice good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
Improve sanitation facilities to prevent soil contamination.
Regular deworming programs in endemic areas.
How long does an outbreak last?
An "outbreak" of necatoriasis isn't typically described in the same way as a viral outbreak. Because it depends on soil contamination, the duration depends on how long the soil remains contaminated and how long the conditions persist that allow hookworm larvae to survive. Without sanitation and prevention measures, areas can remain endemic for extended periods. Individual infections, if untreated, can persist for several years as adult worms can live in the intestine for extended durations.
How is it diagnosed?
Stool examination: Microscopic identification of hookworm eggs in a stool sample. This is the primary diagnostic method.
Complete blood count (CBC): To assess for anemia and eosinophilia (an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell).
Fecal occult blood test: To detect blood in the stool.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial infection (within days): Itchy rash ("ground itch") at the site of larval penetration.
Larval migration (1-2 weeks): Coughing, wheezing.
Establishment in intestine (1-2 months): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
Chronic infection (months to years): Fatigue, weakness, iron deficiency anemia, stunted growth (in children), cognitive impairment.
Important Considerations
Necatoriasis is a significant public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation.
Untreated chronic infections can lead to severe anemia and long-term health consequences.
Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hookworm infection.
Prevention and control strategies should focus on improving sanitation, promoting hygiene, and implementing regular deworming programs.
Resistance to anthelmintic medications is an emerging concern, highlighting the need for integrated control strategies.