Hookworm disease
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Hookworm disease
Hookworm disease is caused by a parasite that infects the intestines. Hookworms are usually found only in the tropics.
Hookworms enter the body by burrowing through the skin of the feet or by being eaten. Once in the body, hookworms attach to the intestinal wall and suck blood, which, in severe cases, leads to anemia.
A hookworm infestation is treated with medication to kill the worms. Treatment for anemia is sometimes also needed.
Credits
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | April 30, 2007 |
| Last updated: | April 30, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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