Hookworms Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover important concepts related to hookworms and their infection cycle based on the provided lecture notes.

Hookworm

A parasitic worm of the genus Ancylostoma or Necator that can infect humans.

History of Discovery

Hookworm was discovered by Dubini in Italy in 1834, linked to ‘tunnel disease’.

Nematodes

A phylum of elongated roundworms, which includes hookworms.

Strongiloidea

An order of parasitic nematodes, including hookworms.

Transmission

Hookworm can be transmitted from mother to infant via breast milk or by crossing the placenta.

Filariform larva

The infective stage of hookworm larvae that can penetrate human skin.

Anemia

A condition often caused by high-intensity hookworm infections due to blood loss.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The primary symptom of hookworm infections caused by the worms ingesting human blood.

Hypoproteinaemia

A condition resulting from protein loss due to hookworm infection.

Diagnostic Stage

The stage in which eggs and larvae are detected in stool samples for diagnosis.

Autoinfection

A phenomenon where larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis can cause reinfection within the host.

Rhabditiform larva

Immature, non-infective larvae that hatch in soil after eggs pass with feces.

Albendazole

A medication commonly used to treat hookworm infections.

Ivermectin

A first-line therapy for Strongyloides stercoralis infections.

Prevention of Hookworm

Avoiding walking barefoot in contaminated soil and proper sanitation measures.

Ground itch

Localized skin reaction caused by larval penetration, often seen in hookworm infections.