Q: Which doctor should I consult for Hookworm infection?
A: A general physician or an internist or a family physician or a gastroenterologist can help in the treatment of hookworm infection.
Q: How can hookworm infection lead to iron-deficiency anemia?
A: Hookworms attach themselves to the walls of the small intestine and thrive on the human blood that flows through the intestinal walls to absorb nutrition from the digested food. This leads to a reduction in Red Blood Cells and plasma apart from iron and other important nutrients. Iron-supplement is a part of the treatment program for hookworm infection.
Q: How is protein deficiency related to hookworm infection?
A: Adult hookworms secrete a potent inhibitor of digestive enzymes, causing malabsorption of protein. This creates a deficiency in protein in the body.
Nutritious diet with enough protein content is recommended as a part of hookworm infection treatment.
Q: Is there a possibility of the hookworms becoming drug-resistant?
A: Hookworms in livestock have shown drug resistance. The human nematodes have longer reproducing times and the antihelminthic treatment is targeted towards the hookworm directly. These two are the reasons why human nematodes are less likely to develop resistance to anti worm treatment. However, the chances of re-infection are more in both animals and humans if other measures are not taken for prevention of hookworm infection and to improve the sanitation and hygiene of the community.
Q: Is there a vaccine against hookworm infection?
A: Vaccine for hookworm infection is in the research stage. The research targets the two stages in the development of hookworm, namely, the larvae and the adult stage. However, vaccination and periodic mass deworming can be successful only if other aspects such as poverty, sanitation and community education are improved.
