Ancylostomiasis (Hookworm Disease) Management

Definition

Ancylostomiasis is a hookworm disease caused by infestation of the small intestine with Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus. The infection can result in anaemia and malnutrition.

Clinical presentation

• Abdominal pain

• Chronic diarrhoea

• Melena stool

• Weight loss

• Chronic cough (Löffler’s syndrome)

• Anaemia

Investigations

• Stool examination:

  • Evidence of hookworm ova or worms on wet mount microscopy

Pharmacological treatment

Mebendazole

• Dose:

  • 500 mg stat

  • OR 100 mg

• Route: Oral (PO)

• Frequency:

  • Stat dose

  • OR every 12 hours

• Duration:

  • Single dose

  • OR 3 days

OR

Albendazole

• Dose: 400 mg

• Route: Oral (PO)

• Frequency: Stat

• Duration: Single dose

Additional management

• Iron replacement therapy

• Nutritional supplementation

  • Protein supplementation

  • Vitamin supplementation

Follow-up

• If infestation persists, administer a second treatment course after 4 weeks.

Contraindications and precautions

Albendazole

• Contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Possible complications

• Anaemia

• Malnutrition

• Weight loss

• Löffler’s syndrome