Ancylostoma Duodenal (Hookworm)

Subject: Community Health Nursing II

Overview

The traditional hookworm is anncylistoma duodenal. There are three morphological stages of it: eggs, larva, and adult. The sole undisputed host of the hookworm is a man. It has a diameter of 17 mm and a length of roughly 250 mm. Its clinical signs include a ground itch, a creeping eruption, and lung lesions. It can be identified through blood and stool tests. By taking the proper medications, such as mebendazole 100mg twice daily for 3 days, it can be treated. Maintaining proper sanitation and proper feces disposal can stop it.

Ancylostoma Duodenal (Hookworm)

There are human hookworms, Acylistoma duodenal and necator Americans, in every tropical and subtropical nation. The "old hookworm" is a common name for Ancylostoma duodenal.

Habitat: Adult worms live in the small intestine of man, mostly in jejunum, Lifecycle less often in the duodenum and rarely in the ileum.

Morphology: it has three morphological forms i.e.

  •  Eggs
  •  Larva( Rhabditiform and Filariform)
  • Lifecycle

The only certain host is a man. A host in the middle is not necessary. A person who is afflicted excretes eggs that comprise segmented ova with four blastomeres. These recently discharged eggs in the feces are not contagious to people. In soil, a habit from a larva develops out of each egg in 48 hours. This has a 17 mm diameter and a length of 250mm.

Clinical Features

  • Ancylostoma dermatitis or ground itch.
  • Creeping eruption or cutaneous larva.
  • Lesions are the lungs.

Laboratory Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hookworm infection consists of:

  • Examination of stool is done to find the adult worms or characteristic hookworm eggs. Direct microscopy of stool or after concentration of the same can be used to detect eggs.
  • Duodenal contents may reveal eggs or adult worms.

Indirect Method

  • Blood examination may be carried out to reveal microcytic, hypochromic anemia and Eosinophilia.
  • Stool examination may show occult blood and Charcot - Leyden crystal in a majority of cases of hookworm diseases.

Treatment

Mebendazole ( 100 mg twice a day for 3 days ) or albendazole (400 mg in a single dose ) may be used for a treatment of hookworm infection. Pyrantel pamoate can also be used. If anemia is present, this should also be treated along with the specific anthelminthic drugs.

Prophylaxis

Prevention of hookworm infection can be done by following measures:

  • Wearing of shoes for personal protection.
  • Sanitary conditions should be improved.
  • Proper disposal of human feces.

Reference

  • Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).
  • Dr.Suwal S.N. & Tuitui R. (2063) A Textbook of Community Health Nursing, 1st edition, Vidyarthi Prakashan (P). Ltd. Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu
  • HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/hookworm
  • Mandal, G.N. Textbook of Adult Nursing. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2013.
  • Medscape. 1994. 2017 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218805-overview
  • Tuitui, Roshani. Community Health Nursing. Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Prakashan (P.) LTD., 2067.
Things to remember
  • The traditional hookworm is anncylistoma duodenal.
  • Eggs, larva, and adult are its three morphological forms.
  • It has a diameter of 17 mm and a length of roughly 250 mm.
  • Clinical signs of the hookworm include ground itch, pulmonary diseases, and creeping eruption.
  • As a temporary diagnostic test for the hookworm, stool and blood tests may be performed.
  • It can be treated by taking the proper medications, such as 400 mg of albendazole in one dose and 100 mg of mebendazole twice daily for three days.
  • It can be avoided by maintaining good hygiene, disposing of human waste properly, and wearing shoes.
Questions and Answers

Ancylistoma duodenal is the old hookworm. It has 3 morphorlogical forms i.e eggs, larva and adult. Man is the only definitive host of the hookworm. It is about 250 mm in length and 17 mm in diameter.

Hookworm has the following clinical characteristics:

1. Ancylostoma dermatitis, also known as ground itch

2. A cutaneous larva or a creeping eruption.

3. Lesions are lungs.

The following criteria are used to determine hookworm infection:

  • The stool is examined for adult worms or characteristic hookworm eggs. To detect eggs, direct microscopy of stool or after concentration of the same can be used.
  • The contents of the duodenum may reveal eggs or adult worms.


The indirect method

  • A blood test may be performed to detect microcytic, hypochromic anaemia, and Eosinophilia.
  • In the majority of hookworm diseases, stool examination may reveal occult blood and Charcot-Leyden crystal.

Hookworm treatment options include:

Hookworm infection can be treated with mebendazole (100 mg twice a day for three days) or albendazole (400 mg in a single dose). Pyrantel pamoate is another option. If anaemia is present, it should be treated in addition to the specific anthelminthic drugs.

The following measures can be taken to prevent hookworm infection:

  • Shoes are worn for personal protection.
  • The sanitary situation should be improved.
  • Human feces should be disposed of properly.

 

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.