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Hookworm

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

• Anemia
• Severe protein loss with ascites

Calling your health care provider:

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

References:

Kucik CJ, Martin GL, Sortor BV. Common intestinal parasites. Am Fam Physician . 2004 Mar 1;69(5):1161-8.

Beers MH, Berkow, R. eds. Parasitic Infections. In: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . Sec. 13. Ch. 161. Merck & Co, Inc: 1999-2005.

• Review Date: 6/18/2007
• Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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