infectious diseases
Hookworm Infection
Symptoms and Signs of Hookworm Infection
Hookworm infection is often asymptomatic. However, a transient pruritic papulovesicular rash (ground itch) may develop at the site of larval penetration, usually on the feet. Migration of large numbers of larvae through the lungs occasionally causes Löffler Syndrome , with cough, wheezing, Chronic, heavy, intestinal infection can lead to iron deficiency anemia, causing pallor, dyspnea, weakness, tachycardia, lassitude, and peripheral edema. A low-grade eosinophilia is often present. In children, chronic blood loss may lead to severe anemia, heart failure, and anasarca and, in pregnant women, to growth retardation in the fetus. Cutaneous larva migrans can occur when animal hookworms infect, but do not reach adulthood, in humans. It is caused by larvae as they migrate through the skin and is characterized by itchy, erythematous, serpiginous skin lesions. On rare occasion,A. caninumlarvae reach the human intestine where they cause eosinophilic enterocolitis with abdominal pain and associated symptoms. Eggs are not present in the stool. 