• Hookworm is the second most prevalent parasite (after Ascaris lumbricoides) with an estimated 1.3 billion infected (1999)
.

• In 1940, it was estimated that 457 million of the world’s 2,166 million people were infected with hookworm.This 20% infection rate continues to exist today.


• Two major species of hookworm parasitize humans: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus.


• The two species were traditionally endemic to distinct locations around the globe, but it is likely that these boundaries will continue to disappear with increased travel, etc. (see Country Information).


• Major symptoms can include: anemia, itching, gastro-intestinal disorders, and listlessness.

ALTERNATIVE NAMES:

• A. duodenale = the Old World Hookworm
• N. americanus = the New World Hookworm

Image source: http://www.sabin.org/hookworm_slides.htm