Hookworms and Their Species

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristics of the tracheal migration of infective larvae?

Occurs following oral ingestion only.

Is primarily a method of transmission during pregnancy.

Involves migration through tissues to venules and then to lungs. (correct)

Follows mucosal migration without prior circulation.

How long is the prepatent period for the development of parasites through oral ingestion?

4 weeks

6 weeks

1 week

2 weeks (correct)

In which stage do larvae attach to the intestinal wall and begin to suck blood?

Fourth stage (correct)

First stage

Mature stage

Second stage

Which type of migration is characterized by larvae encysting in the tissues of adults?

Somatic migration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following transmission methods is more common for puppies?

Transmammary transmission Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate prepatent period for transmammary transmission in neonates?

2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which migration allows for both transplacental and transmammary transmission?

Somatic migration Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the tracheal migration phase?

Larvae reach the heart via circulatory system. Signup and view all the answers

What is larval leak in relation to hookworm life cycle?

Reactivation of encysted larvae following the removal of adult hookworms Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is indicative of skin penetration by hookworm larvae?

Marked itching and redness Signup and view all the answers

During tracheal migration of hookworm larvae, which symptom is typically observed?

Subclinical lesions with potential hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

What does the prepatent period refer to in the context of hookworm infections?

The time taken for larvae to mature in the intestines before shedding eggs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in the severity of illness caused by intestinal infestation of hookworms?

Age and nutritional status of the animal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the life cycle of hookworms in cats?

Hookworms can migrate through the skin and cause CLM in humans. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of larval transmission for hookworms in cats?

Penetration of skin by larvae. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical prepatent period for hookworms in cats?

3-4 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the migration process of hookworms is true?

Larvae migrate to the lungs and are then swallowed. Signup and view all the answers

How can environmental control effectively reduce hookworm transmission?

By ensuring regular removal of feces. Signup and view all the answers

Which anthelmintic is NOT suitable for the treatment of hookworms in adult cats?

Aspirin. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is effective in preventing hookworm infections in the environment?

Periodic anthelmintic testing. Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle modification can help reduce the risk of hookworm infection in cats?

Keeping cats indoors when possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant public health concern related to hookworms?

Hookworm larvae can cause creeping eruption in humans. Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes an appropriate treatment regimen for a neonate with suspected hookworm infection?

Treat at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks with high protein support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the infective stage of the hookworm larvae?

3rd stage larvae Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of transmission of hookworm to puppies?

Transmammary transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the prepatent period for skin penetration of hookworm larvae?

4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What environmental condition is critical for the survival of hookworm larvae?

High humidity Signup and view all the answers

Which migration pathway is associated with the mucosal migration of hookworms?

Intestinal migration Signup and view all the answers

How long can the larvae of hookworms live as free-living organisms?

Weeks to months Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is typical of strongyle-type eggs produced by hookworms?

Several cells within ovum Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration for the development of 3rd stage larvae under favorable conditions?

2 to 9 days Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following constitutes a mode of larval transmission for hookworms?

Oral ingestion Signup and view all the answers

Which factor tends to make larvae susceptible during their life stages?

Extreme desiccation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hookworms

Classified as nematodes in the Strongylidea family
Their name derives from their characteristically curved head
Species of importance include:

Ancylostoma caninum

Most common hookworm of dogs
Sometimes called "southern" hookworm
Also found in foxes, coyotes, wolves, raccoons, and badgers
Highly pathogenic
Zoonotic

Ancylostoma tubaeforme

Most common hookworm of domestic cats and other wild felids
Zoonotic

Ancylostoma braziliense

Affects dogs and cats
Zoonotic

Uncinaria stenocephala

Also known as "northern" hookworm
Found in dogs in North America and Canada
Can occasionally be found in cats
Found in foxes, coyotes, and wolves
Less pathogenic than other Ancylostoma species
Not zoonotic

Necator americanus & Ancylostoma duodenale

Human hookworms

General Information

Life cycle is similar to other roundworms, often indirect transmission
Adults reside in the small intestine of the host
Males are typically smaller than females
Adults have cutting plates/teeth to suck blood
Hookworm eggs are characteristically strongyloid-type, containing multiple cells within the egg shell
Larval development is initiated in the host's feces, with later stages occurring in soil, where they mature.
Third-stage larvae (L3) are infective
Transmission methods include oral ingestion of L3 larvae and penetration of skin by L3 larvae
Prepatent periods vary depending on transmission methods, ranging from 2 to 9 weeks.
Larvae are susceptible to desiccation.
Larvae prefer warm temperatures

Migrations

Mucosal migration: L3 larvae penetrate the small intestine mucosa, reaching maturity
Tracheal migration: L3 larvae penetrate skin, travel through tissues to the lungs, then the trachea, and are swallowed
Somatic migration: L3 larvae penetrate skin, enter the bloodstream, and travel to different organs, including the placenta or mammary glands

Clinical Signs

Can result in itching, redness, or papular eruptions.
Development of secondary bacterial infections
Chronic illness in severe infestations can lead to anemia.
Clinical signs vary depending on the stage of infection (skin, tracheal, or intestinal)

Diagnosis

Fecal flotation can detect eggs, but egg counts don't always correlate with infection severity
More important in neonates due to potentially shorter pre-patent periods

Treatment and Prevention

Effective anthelmintic drugs are available
Prevention measures include: sanitization, thorough cleaning of animal living areas and removal of feces promptly.
Good hygiene and sanitation are crucial to prevent hookworm infestations in animals and prevent human exposure to hookworm larvae.

Public Health Significance

Human hookworm larvae, like the Ancylostoma species, can penetrate human skin causing Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM).
Symptoms of CLM include intense itching, redness, and swelling at the site of penetration.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of hookworms in this quiz, focusing on different species such as Ancylostoma caninum and Necator americanus. Learn about their life cycles, pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential. Test your knowledge and discover the impact of these nematodes on various hosts.