ancylostomiasis /an′səlos′təmī″əsis/ , hookworm disease, more specifically that caused by Ancylostoma duodenale, A. braziliense, or A. caninum. Infection by A. duodenale is generally more harmful and less responsive to treatment than that by Necator americanus, which is the hookworm most often found in the southern United States. Larvae enter the host via the skin; the adult worm lives in the intestine. The adult worms abrade the intestinal wall, eventually causing severe anemia and debilitation. Heavy infection can cause serious health complications for pregnant women, neonates, children, and the malnourished. Clinical manifestations and treatment are similar for all types of hookworms. Infection may be prevented by eliminating fecal pollution of soil and by wearing shoes. See also hookworm.
