Human hookworms are parasitic infections caused by two species of hookworms: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Although hookworm infections are rare in the U.S., roughly 10 percent of the world population is infected. The infection is contracted from walking in soil contaminated by infected feces. An immature form of the hookworm burrows into the foot. After traveling through the bloodstream and lungs, the immature worm travels to the small intestine where it attaches to the lining. The worm matures in the intestine and lays eggs, which are passed in the stool. Daily blood loss occurs with hookworm infection; the amount of loss depends on the intensity of the infection--the number of worms in the intestine. Cumulative blood loss can eventually cause anemia and malnutrition. Treatment for hookworms is aimed at killing the parasitic worms and replenishing iron and nutrients as needed.
Mebendazole
Mebendazole is an oral anthelmintic (an antiworm medicine) used to treat hookworms in adults and children. This drug kills the hookworms by interrupting the formation of critical structures in the worm and inhibiting their uptake of glucose. A typical course of treatment is three days.
Albendazole
Albendazole is another oral antihelmintic that may be used to treat hookworms in adults and children. It is similar to mebendazole and kills the hookworms by the same mechanisms. A single dose of the drug is typically used; stool is checked for hookworm eggs two weeks after treatment. If the stool contains eggs, the dose is repeated.
Pyrantel Pamoate
Pyrantel pamoate is another oral antihelmintic option to treat hookworms in adults and children. However, resistance to this drug has developed in some areas of the world where hookworm infections are common. Because resistance has been reported, pyrantel is now considered a second-line alternative to either mebendazole or albendazole for the treatment of hookworms. It may be used in cases of infection with multiple types of intestinal worms, or in people who have had an adverse reaction to mebendazole or albendazole.
Iron Supplementation
Long-standing hookworm infection may cause iron-deficiency anemia. Iron supplements and an iron-rich diet may be advised in such cases to replenish depleted iron stores.
Nutrition
People with long-standing hookworm infection who suffer from malnutrition may require nutritional support to restore their health. A high protein diet is often recommended--if not contraindicated by another concurrent illness. Nutritional recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis taking into account an individual's overall health, medical history, and other illnesses or conditions that may be present.
References
- Sabin Vaccine Institute: Hookworm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hookworm Infection
- Merck Manual: Hookworm Infection
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., John E. Bennett, M.D., Raphael Dolin, M.D., Editors; 2004
- World Health Organization: Hookworm Disease
