The goals of treatment are to:

• Cure the infection
• Treat complications of anemia
• Improve nutrition

Parasite-killing medications such as albendazole, mebendazole or, pyrantel pamoate are usually prescribed. Ivermectin, used for other worm infections, does not work for hookworm infections.

Symptoms and complications of anemia are treated as they arise. The doctor will likely recommend increasing the amount of protein in your diet.

Complete recovery occurs if treatment is given before serious complications develop. The infection is easily eradicated with treatment.

• Anemia
• Severe protein loss with fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites)
• Other nutritional deficiencies

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hookworm infection develop.

Images

Hookworm - Ancylostoma caninum

Hookworm - mouth of the organism

Digestive system organs

Hookworm rhabditiform larva

Hookworm egg

Hookworm - close-up of the organism

Review Date: 08/28/2009
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, PHD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)