Ankylostomiasis

Definition

Definition of Ankylostomiasis
A parasitic intestinal infection caused by a hookworm called Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus. Infection usually occurs when larva enter a break in the skin and then travel throughout the body until the reach the intestines.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Ankylostomiasis
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Ankylostomiasis includes the 6 symptoms listed below:

1. Iron-deficiency anemia
2. Intestinal bleeding
3. Itching
4. Cough
5. Fever
6. Epigastric pain

Causes

Causes of Ankylostomiasis
The most common cause of the disease is walking bare feet on contaminated soil. When the larvae of the hookworm penetrate the skin, it may cause an allergic reaction. Once the larvae enters the skin, it goes into the bloodstream and into the lungs. If the larvae cannot complete this process, they settle below the skin and create marks that are quite similar to snake bites. These marks are known as cutaneous larva migrans or creeping eruption.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Ankylostomiasis
Consult with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of Ankylostomiasis
Ancylostomiasis is treated with mebendazole. This drug is quite inexpensive and most cases would require only a single dose. Apart from this drug, the patient should also be given dietary supplements that will increase the chances of getting better faster and have a positive impact on their health too. The most important in this case is the supplementation of iron in the body. The person may require an iron enhanced diet for either a few weeks or many months, it depends on the amount of larvae that exist in the body. The simplest way to cure this medical issue is by bettering the sanitary conditions in the area, and increase the hygiene on a personal level. While hookworm is curable, it still is the cause of around fifty to sixty thousand deaths each year in countries where medical facilities are not available easily.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Ankylostomiasis
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Ankylostomiasis
Consult with your doctor.