Condition, occurring chiefly in the tropics and subtropics, that results from intestinal infestation by hookworms, which most often enter the body by penetrating the skin, especially that of the feet when walking barefoot in hookworm-infested soil areas. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and blood loss sometimes leading to anemia. Treatment is with anthelminthic drugs.
Intestinal infestation by parasitic worms that fasten themselves to the lining of the intestines and suck the victim’s blood, sometimes causing anemia. The disease is prevalent in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and in poor rural areas of the southern United States. Poor hygiene contributes to the problem.
A condition resulting from an infestation of the small intestine by hookworms. Hookworm larvae live in the soil and infect man by penetrating the skin. The worms travel to the lungs in the bloodstream and from there pass via the windpipe and gullet to the small intestine. Heavy hookworm infections may cause considerable damage to the wall of the intestine, leading to a serious loss of blood; this, in conjunction with malnutrition, can provoke severe anemia. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, debility, and mental inertia. The disease occurs throughout the tropics and subtropics and is prevalent in areas of poor personal hygiene and sanitation. Bephenium hydroxynaphthoate, reliable and easy to administer, is used in treatment.