Back
ditki Logo
medical & biological sciences
Nematode - Necator americanus
Start your One-Week Free Trial
Already subscribed? Log in »

Nematode - Necator americanus

Necator americanus
Necator americanus*: – Adult worms have hook-like mouth parts that latch onto the intestinal mucosa and suck blood from the host. – Thus, infection can cause anemia, gastrointestinal problems, and developmental impairment, as the worms steal blood and nutrients from the host. – Secondary bacterial infections are more likely in hookworm infections due to the wounds caused by the "hooks."
Life cycle:
  • Filariform larvae (infective form) penetrate skin (can cause a rash here).
  • Enter bloodstream.
  • Travel to lungs; may cause pneumonitis and eosinophilia.
  • Coughed and swallowed.
  • Transitions to adult form in small intestine.
  • Lays up to 20 thousand eggs per day; these are released in the feces.
  • Eggs hatch, release rhabditiform larvae that will transition to filariform larvae and infect new hosts.
Clinical:
– Adult worms have hook-like mouth parts that latch onto the intestinal mucosa and suck blood from the host. – Thus, infection can cause anemia, gastrointestinal problems, and developmental impairment, as the worms steal blood and nutrients from the host. – Secondary bacterial infections are more likely in hookworm infections due to the wounds caused by the "hooks."

Related Tutorials