Ancylostoma duodenale is a parasitic roundworm that lives in the small intestine of humans and animals such as cats and dogs. Male worms are 8 to 11 mm long and females are 10 to 13 mm long. Females can lay 10.000 to 30.000 eggs per day. The average life span of Ancylostoma duodenale is one year.
Ancylostoma duodenale is widespread in southern Europe, northern Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia, small areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and South America. It is estimated that 1 billion people are infected with Ancylostoma.
Mild infections cause abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and geophagy. More severe cases cause severe protein deficiency or iron deficiency anemia.
Worms can be treated with albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate. In severe cases of anemia, blood transfusions may be necessary.
The life cycle of the parasite
When the filarial larva (infectious stage) penetrates the intact skin, it enters the bloodstream. It is then transferred to the lungs and then through coughing it can be swallowed and reach the small intestine. The larva matures later in the small intestine to the adult form and the females can lay up to 30.000 eggs a day. The eggs released by the stool remain on the ground. The fertilized eggs hatch in the soil in non-infectious rod-shaped larvae and then mature into infectious larvae. The filarial larvae may then penetrate into another exposed skin and start a new cycle of infection.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
