Ankylostoma duodenalis, also known as the human hookworm, is a parasitic nematode that infects the small intestine of human beings. It is a species within the genus Ankylostoma, belonging to the family of Ancylostomidae.
The adult worms of Ankylostoma duodenalis are small, measuring about 10 to 13 millimeters in length, and have a hook-like mouth structure that attaches to the intestinal wall. They feed on the blood of their hosts, causing anemia and other health complications. The females lay eggs, which are excreted through the host's feces.
The larvae of Ankylostoma duodenalis hatch from the eggs and develop in the external environment, particularly in warm and moist conditions. These larvae need to penetrate the skin of a host to reach the bloodstream, which they accomplish by actively moving and penetrating the skin, usually on the feet. Once in the bloodstream, they are carried to the lungs and then migrate up the respiratory tract, reaching the throat where they are swallowed and eventually reach the small intestine to mature into adults.
Infection with Ankylostoma duodenalis occurs through contact with contaminated soil or feces. This can happen when individuals walk barefoot on contaminated ground, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the parasite is endemic. Symptoms of an infection may include gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, as well as fatigue and iron-deficiency anemia.
Efforts to prevent the transmission of Ankylostoma duodenalis include proper sanitation, wearing footwear in areas prone to contamination, as well as periodic deworming treatment for at-risk populations.
