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Hookworm In India, hookworm disease is mainly caused by Ancylostoma duodenale and amaricanus (hookworm). The ovum (egg) of the parasite grows into larva (baby parasite) in the soil, and usually penetrates the skin of those who walk barefoot. From the skin, the larva reaches the intestines through the blood and there it grows into an adult worm. The female wa reaches eggs in the intestines which are excreted in the faeces. Infected patients may suffer from localized itching or skin rash when the larva enters through the skin. The most serious manifestation produced by the hookworm is anaemia which is due to the sucking of blood by the worm and ulcerations in the intestines. The anaemia may be severe if the infection is heavy and the diet is poor in iron. In children and menstruating woman, it may cause weakness, breathlessness, palpitation, constipation, and headache. The diagnosis is confirmed by examination of the stools for the presence of ova of the worm. Preventive Measures: The entrance of the worm into the body can be prevented by wearing shoes to avoid direct contact of the skin with the soil. Diet: A diet rich in protein and iron should be taken regularly. The foods most suitable for patients of anaemia caused by hookworm are cereals, spinach, cauliflower, radish, beans, tomato, orange, prune, apricot, almond, walnut, pistachio nut, milk, egg, meat (liver, kidney and heart), fish and poultry. Drugs: Pyrentel, mebendazole or albendazole is the first choice. Pinworm Pinworm disease is caused by Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm). The eggs of this worm are ingested through contaminated food or drinks. Their life cycle is completed in the gastrointestinal tract and the fertilized female lays eggs around the anus at night when the patient goes to bed. The movements of the worm in the process of laying eggs, cause intense itching and the patient scratches the affected part. Thus he is reinfested by the direct transfer of eggs by contaminated fingers from the anus to the mouth. This cycle is repeated many times. Children are the usual victims and spread the disease in the family. It is characterized by itching around anus, specially at night. The diagnosis is usually made when the. adult worm (0.8 to 1:2 cm in length and 0.3 to 3.5 mm thick, white in colour) is discovered by the patient or during stool examination. Preventive Measures: The following preventive measure should be adopted: Fingernails should be regularly trimmed. Underwear should be washed and dried in the sunlight or ironed every day. To control the infection all members of the family should be examined and treated. Hand-washing before meals is a must.
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