Ancylostoma duodenale
Old World hookworm
Symptoms reported
- •Ground itch
- •Iron deficiency anemia
- •Abdominal discomfort
- •Weight loss
- •General appearance of illness
Life cycle
Larvae enter the host via ingestion or skin penetration and mature in the small intestine where they attach to the mucosa.
Transmission
Ingestion of larvae or skin contact with contaminated soil; also possible via breast milk.
Conventional medical treatment
Albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate
For information only. Discuss with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any pharmaceutical.
Treatment Options — Natural First, Pharmaceutical When Needed
Natural First
- •Activated charcoal (binder)
- •Hydration + electrolytes
- •Rest + bone broth nutrition
Pharmaceutical (if natural-first insufficient)
- •Albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate
When to escalate to pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical first if: heavy worm burden with anemia or weight loss, persistent symptoms > 6 weeks of natural treatment, pediatric failure to thrive, immunocompromised host, or pregnancy.
“Ancylostoma duodenale infection is that of translactational transmission of the infection in humans where a breast-feeding mother passes the infection to the infant.”
— Parasites Clinical Book (textbook)
This page is for educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before acting on anything you read here.