Blood-feeding roundworm. See Parasites Hookworm, Creeping Eruption, and Larva Migrans.IntestinesEncyclopedia Entry for Hookworm :Hookworm infections - Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus (intestinal nematode)Encyclopedia Entry for Hookworm :Hookworm infection. The infection is caused by infestation with any of the following roundworms: Necator americanus Ancylostoma duodenale Ancylostoma ceylanicum Ancylostoma braziliense The first two roundworms affect humans only. The last two types also occur in animals. Hookworm disease is common in the moist tropics and subtropics. In developing nations, the disease leads to the death of many children by increasing their risk for infections that their bodies would normally fight off. There is very little risk of getting the disease in the United States because of advances in sanitation and waste control. The important factor in getting the disease is walking barefoot on ground where there are feces of people who are infected with hookworm. The larvae (immature form of the worm) enter the skin. The larvae move to the lungs via the bloodstream and enter the airways. The worms are about one half inch (1 centimeter) long. After traveling up the windpipe, the larvae are swallowed. After the larvae are swallowed, they infect the small intestine. They develop into adult worms and live there for 1 or more years. The worms attach to the intestinal wall and suck blood, which results in iron deficiency anemia and protein loss. Adult worms and larvae are released in the feces.Symptoms may include: Abdominal discomfort Cough Diarrhea Fatigue Fever Gas Itchy rash Loss of appetite Nausea, vomiting Pale skin Most people have no symptoms once the worms enter the intestines.Tests that can help diagnose the infection include: Complete blood count (CBC) with differential Stool ova and parasites exam.The goals of treatment are to: Cure the infection Treat complications of anemia Improve nutrition Parasite-killing drugs such as albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate are often prescribed. Symptoms and complications of anemia are treated, if needed. The health care provider will likely recommend increasing the amount of protein in your diet.You will have a complete recovery if you get treated before serious complications develop. Treatment gets rid of the infection.Health problems that may result from hookworm infection include: Iron deficiency anemia , caused by loss of blood Nutritional deficiencies Severe protein loss with fluid buildup in the abdomen ( ascites ).Call for an appointment with your provider if symptoms of hookworm infection develop.Handwashing and wearing shoes will reduce the likelihood of infection.Hookworm disease; Ground itch; Ancylostoma duodenale infection; Necator americanus infection; Parasitic infection - hookworm.Hookworm - mouth of the organism Hookworm - mouth of the organism Hookworm - close-up of the organism Hookworm - close-up of the organism Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum Hookworm egg Hookworm egg Hookworm rhabditiform larva Hookworm rhabditiform larva Digestive system organs Digestive system organs.Diemert DJ. Intestinal nematode infections.Encyclopedia Entry for Hookworm :Hookworm infection. Source of disease: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus