Characteristics. The two species that commonly infect humans have a similar morphology. A. duodenale worms are pale grey or slightly pink. The head is bent a little in relation to the rest of the body, forming a hook shape – hence the name.
How do hookworms get their name?
They get their name from the teeth (“hooks”) or cutting plates in their mouths by which they attach themselves to the intestinal wall. Hookworm diseases are most common in tropical and subtropical climates. These infections develop after a person has contact with soil contaminated with human feces.
What is the mean of hookworm?
Definition of hookworm 1 : any of several parasitic nematode worms (family Ancylostomatidae) that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests.
How hookworm gave the South a bad name?
The parasitic hookworm once plagued the American South and bred harmful stereotypes about "lazy, moronic Southerners." Peter Hotez, fellow in disease and poverty, comments on PBS NOVA: http://to.pbs.org/1ND1w7f.
What is the history of hookworm?
Hookworm (Ancylostoma) was discovered by Dubini in Italy in 1834. Refers to “tunnel disease” found among the miners, brickmakers, pitman and other laborers during the construction of St. Gotthard tunnel, but it is unclear if the reference is solely due to the tunnel or the clinical characteristics of the disease.
