What is hookworm disease?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Hookworm disease is mainly caused by soil contamination, foodborne transmission, occupational exposure, malnutrition, anemia, and other factors. Hookworm eggs hatch into larvae in warm and moist environments; when people walk barefoot on contaminated soil, the larvae can penetrate the skin and enter the body. It is important to strengthen personal hygiene and avoid walking barefoot on potentially contaminated soil.

Generally, hookworm disease is mainly caused by soil contamination, food transmission, occupational exposure, malnutrition, anemia, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Soil Contamination

Hookworm eggs hatch into larvae in warm and moist environments. When people walk barefoot on contaminated soil, the larvae can penetrate the skin and enter the body. Maintain good personal hygiene and avoid walking barefoot on potentially contaminated soil.

2. Food Transmission

Hookworm eggs may adhere to the surface of vegetables and fruits. If these foods are not thoroughly washed or cooked, the eggs can enter the human digestive tract with food, hatch into larvae, invade tissues, and cause infection. It is recommended to enhance food safety awareness and ensure thorough washing and cooking of ingredients.

3. Occupational Exposure

Individuals engaged in agricultural labor or related occupations are at higher risk of hookworm infection due to prolonged contact with contaminated soil and water sources. For hookworm disease caused by occupational exposure, in addition to anthelmintic medication, personal protective measures should be strengthened to minimize contact with contaminated environments.

4. Autoinfection

Patients already infected with hookworm may still have a small number of hookworm eggs remaining in the intestines after treatment. These eggs may hatch and cause reinfection, leading to recurrence of the disease. Symptoms such as anemia and fatigue may recur. It is recommended to take anthelmintic medications such as albendazole tablets, mebendazole tablets, or levamisole hydrochloride candy tablets under a doctor's guidance, and undergo regular follow-up examinations after treatment to ensure complete recovery.

5. Mother-to-Child Transmission

If a pregnant woman contracts hookworm during pregnancy, the hookworm may cross the placental barrier and infect the fetus, resulting in congenital hookworm infection. Newborns may exhibit symptoms such as anemia and malnutrition. Both the pregnant woman and the newborn should receive anthelmintic treatment, and nutritional support for the newborn should be enhanced.

Avoid consuming spicy foods and control tobacco and alcohol intake to prevent worsening symptoms or delaying recovery.

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Can hookworm infection be completely cured?

Whether hookworm disease can be completely cured mainly depends on the severity of the condition. In the early stages of hookworm infection, when the patient's condition is mild, timely treatment usually leads to full recovery. However, in the advanced stages, when the infection is severe and has caused significant damage to the body, it may be difficult to cure. Patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital for examination to determine the extent of the disease and take appropriate corrective measures as soon as possible.

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What are the symptoms of hookworm disease?

In general, patients with hookworm disease may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, indigestion, cutaneous larva migrans, and anemia. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. After confirming the cause, patients may take medications such as albendazole tablets, mebendazole tablets, and pyrantel pamoate tablets as directed by a physician. Additionally, maintaining personal hygiene during treatment can aid in recovery.