Hookworm

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Digestive system organs	Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum	Hookworm - close-up of the organism	Hookworm egg
Hookworm - mouth of the organism	Hookworm rhabditiform larva

The objective of treatment is to cure the infestation, to treat complications of anemia, and to improve nutrition. Parasite-killing medications such as mebendazole or albendazole are usually prescribed. Ivermectin, used for other worm infections, is not effective for hookworm.

Symptoms and complications of anemia are treated as they arise. There is often a recommendation made to increase the amount of protein in the diet to improve nutrition.

Complete recovery occurs if treatment is given before serious complications develop. The infection is easily eradicated with treatment.

• Anemia
• Severe protein loss with ascites

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hookworm infection develop.

Review Date: 06/10/2005
Reviewed By: Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.