Hookworms are small parasites that are able to invade through the skin and then spread throughout the body. They are generally contracted via skin contact with feces. As a result, hookworm infestations are less common in the United States because of improved sanitation measures.
Initial Symptoms
Hookworms initially gain access through the body via the skin. As a result, a hookworm infestation may initially present itself as a small rash, particularly one on the feet if the parasite has been picked up by walking around barefoot. Once the worm has gotten into the skin, it typically migrates to the lungs where it can cause a chronic cough and some fatigue as the body tries to fight off the infestation. Sometimes this cough will involve the production of rusty or red-tinged sputum, which is indicative of the infestation causing mild bleeding into the lungs.
Spread
Hookworm can also infect the gastrointestinal system if coughed-up worms and eggs are swallowed, giving them access to the intestines. Because hookworm infects the gastrointestinal system, most of these signs involve the digestive system. They can include abdominal pain and bloating, indigestion and diarrhea, which may be bloody, as well as nausea and vomiting. Patients may also have symptoms of colic, which are a result of the immune system attempting to fight off the hookworm infection, which can lead to malnutrition and watery diarrhea. Sometimes the blood loss can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue and pallor.
Stool
The most definitive sign of a hookworm infestation can be observed by looking at a stool sample. Over time, hookworm infestations will cause either the mature insects or their eggs to appear in bowel movements. Stool samples can be collected in a variety of ways, but the easiest is to place a small sample of stool in a plastic bag, which can then be sent to a laboratory. The lab will take some of the stool and put it on a glass slide so that it can be examined under a microscope, so that the technician can look for the presence of hookworms or their eggs.
