Hookworm infection is a disease caused by entry hookworminto the body. There are two types of hookworms that often cause infections in humans, namely: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Hookworm infection occurs when worm larvae enter the body after consuming contaminated food or drink. This infection can also occur if hookworms enter the body through the skin when in direct contact with soil contaminated with hookworms.
This disease is often found in developing countries that have poor sanitation systems, including Indonesia.
Symptoms of Hookworm Infection
Symptoms of hookworm infection can vary from person to person. In some people with a good immune system, the symptoms of hookworm infection are sometimes not visible.
If hookworms infect the skin, complaints will usually appear in the form of an itchy rash that winds at the site of entry of the worms. Hookworm infection of the skin is known as migratory larva cutaneus.
If hookworm larvae enter the body and develop in the digestive tract, symptoms will appear in the form of:
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Nauseous
- Fever
- bloody CHAPTER
- Anemia
When to go to the doctor
Check with a doctor when complaints and symptoms of hookworm infection appear as mentioned above.
You are also advised to immediately consult a doctor if more serious symptoms appear, such as bloody stools.
Causes of Hookworm Infection
Hookworm infection is caused by the entry and development of hookworms in the body. Types of hookworms that often cause infection in humans are: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.
Hookworm larvae enter the body when consuming contaminated food and drink. Furthermore, hookworm larvae will enter the digestive system, turn into adult worms and reproduce in the intestine. This will then cause symptoms and complaints.
The eggs produced by hookworms when they are in the intestine will come out with the feces. In an environment with poor sanitation, feces containing hookworm eggs will contaminate the soil and water in the vicinity. Hookworms are a group soil transmittedhelmint which can live in moist soil, warm, and protected from direct sunlight.
Here are some factors that can increase your risk of hookworm infection:
- Living in an environment that has a poor sanitation system.
- Consuming foods and drinks that have a risk of contamination with hookworm eggs or larvae, such as raw or undercooked meat.
- Carry out activities that are often in direct contact with the ground without the use of adequate protection.
Hookworm Infection Diagnosis
To diagnose hookworm infection, the doctor will ask questions about the complaints experienced, medical history, and patient hygiene, as well as perform a physical examination.
To confirm the diagnosis of hookworm infection, doctors need to carry out supporting examinations in the form of:
- Examination of stool samples, to see the presence of hookworm eggs and blood content in the feces.
- Complete blood count, to look for eosinophilia (an increase in one type of white blood cell) and anemia.
Hookworm Infection Treatment
Treatment of hookworm infection is done to treat infection, prevent worsening of the condition, and prevent complications.
Hookworm infection can be treated with anthelmintic drugs (antiworms), such as albendazole, mebendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. In patients who are anemic, doctors will provide iron and folic acid supplements to help the formation of red blood cells.
When the infection is severe enough, hospitalization and surgical removal of the worms are also possible.
Hookworm Infection Complications
If not treated, hookworm infection can trigger other health problems, such as:
- Anemia
- Malnutrition
- ascites
- stunted child growth
If hookworm infection occurs in pregnant women, several complications may occur, namely:
- Premature birth
- IUGR or stunted fetal growth
- Babies born with low birth weight
Hookworm Infection Prevention
Hookworm infection can be prevented by maintaining a clean environment and living a healthy lifestyle. Some of the ways that can be done are:
- Drink clean water that is free from the risk of contamination.
- Eat clean and cooked food.
- Use footwear when leaving the house.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and running water.