What is hookworm? Hookworm is an intestinal parasite of humans. The larvae and adult worms live in the small intestine can cause intestinal disease.
Can you see hookworms?
Hookworms are rarely seen in your pet's poop because they are hooked inside your dog's intestines. They are also very small. The adult hookworm is up to 3 mm long and difficult to see without a microscope. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for hookworms to start laying eggs that can be detected.
Are hookworms visible to the naked eye?
Hookworms are intestinal parasites of the cat and dog. Their name is derived from the hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. They are only about 1/8" (2-3 mm) long and so small in diameter that they are barely visible to the naked eye.
What does hookworm look like on people?
Animal hookworms can sometimes penetrate a person's skin, but they don't mature or lay eggs inside a human host. Animal hookworms can cause a rash as they move under the skin. This itchy rash, called cutaneous larva migrans, shows up as a thin, raised red line that spreads across the skin.
How do I know if I have hookworms?
Itching and a localized rash are often the first signs of infection. These symptoms occur when the larvae penetrate the skin. A person with a light infection may have no symptoms. A person with a heavy infection may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and anemia.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What are the parasite found in stool microscopy?Can hookworms affect your eyes?
