This photograph shows the front section of the hookworm, and the
mouth parts which it uses to feed. The cutting plates, used to
attach to the lining of the intestine where they suck blood for
nourishment, are visible. Three species of hookworm cause infection
in the United States, including this species, Necator americanus.
(Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
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)
