Hookworm eggs are passed in the feces of an infected person. If the infected person defecates outside (near bushes, in a garden, or field) or if the feces of an infected person are used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on soil. They can then mature and hatch, releasing larvae (immature worms).
What are hookworm eggs?
Hookworms are parasites that live in the intestines of infected people. Hookworm eggs (larvae) spread in the feces (poop) of people with hookworm disease. Many people have no symptoms, but signs of a hookworm infection include skin rash, fever, stomach pain and diarrhea.
Are hookworm eggs visible?
The eggs are not visible to the naked eye. Larvae or immature hookworms will hatch from the eggs and stay alive in the soil for weeks or months.
How big is a hookworm egg?
The eggs are thin-shelled, colorless and measure 60-75 µm by 35-40 µm. Figure A: Hookworm egg in an unstained wet mount, taken at 400x magnification.
Can you see hookworm eggs in stool?
Health care providers can diagnose hookworm by taking a stool sample and using a microscope to look for the presence of hookworm eggs.
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