HOOKWORM ::
There are mainly two species of hookworms ::
(1) Ancylostoma duodenale and (2) Necator americans
Hookworm is cylindrical in shape .its body is like a thread with a cone shaped head its mouth is like a funnel with four hooks female is 10 to 20 mm and male is of 5 to 19 mm in length female lays large number of eggs in intestine These eggs are excreted alongwith faeces if they are excreted in moist earth then larvae develop within a few days Larvae can survive for many months when the soil is moist and shady They are rapidly killed by the process of drying rain temperature and humidity are important factors in spreading the infection Larvae enter through subcutaneous tissue and then reach the lympthatics or blood circulation They also enter through the mouth and reach the intestine and remain attached to the mucus membrane of the intestine They suck blood and inject toxin and thus produce anaemia They also produce debility puffiness of the face constipation oedema of legs abdominal pain etc
Due to hookworm infection there occurs anaemia lowered resistance retardation of physical and mental development in children and in women sterility and abortion may follow
Preventive Measures ::
Following precautionary care should be taken to control the disease
1.Protection of feet by using footwear one should not go barefooted
2.Personal hygiene should be observed
3.water should be protected against contamination
4. Healthy carriers and infected persons should be isolated and treated so as to prevent the spread of infection 1.Adult male (M) and female (F) worm 2.worm in small intestine 3.Egg of the worm 4.Larvae of the worm 5.Larvae stick on the grass 6.Larvae penetrate through bare foot 7.worm travels from trachea to oesophagus stomach and duodenum
5.Public should also be educated regarding preventive measures through posters lectures and films
6.Vegetables should not be eaten raw Pollution of soil and water should be prevented from the excreta
7. Defecation in open must be stopped
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