Hookworm anemia, an infection underestimated by clinicians

Authors

Keywords:

hookworm infection, ancylostomiasis, iron-deficiency anemia, helminth, intestinal parasite infection.

Abstract

Hookworm infection was first described by Dubini in 1838. It is an intestinal helminth infection caused by Necator americanus and/or Ancylostoma duodenale. They are frequently endemic to tropical and subtropical areas and affect both children and adults. Transmission increases when there are socio-cultural and demographic environments that favor fecal contamination; therefore, it is a public health problem worldwide. We describe the case of a 20-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with asthenia, adynamia, tachycardia, and generalized mucocutaneous pallor. The blood test showed severe anemia and eosinophilia. Transfusion of 4 IU of red blood cells and ferrous sulphate was required. The coprological test showed infection by Necator americanus, which was treated with albendazole. Afterwards, the patient was discharged from the health institution. Hookworm infection is a neglected cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia by the clinician. Therefore, the present study highlights this parasitosis as an important cause in the differential diagnosis. In addition, greater importance is given to preventive strategies such as training the health professionals, reinforcement of hygiene techniques, decrease of contamination and increase of proper personal hygiene.

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References

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Published

2023-08-13

How to Cite

1.
Vargas Rodríguez LJ, Holguín Barrera ML, García Agudelo L, Fuentes Rodríguez N, Pacheco Olmos BS, Velasco Castro JC. Hookworm anemia, an infection underestimated by clinicians. Rev Cuba Med Tropical [Internet]. 2023 Aug. 13 [cited 2025 Feb. 23];75(1). Available from: https://revmedtropical.sld.cu/index.php/medtropical/article/view/938

Issue

Vol. 75 No. 1 (2023): enero-abril

Section

Presentaciones de casos

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