Guest guest Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:38:27 -0000 Hookworms: Necator americanus http://ucdnema.ucdavis.edu/imagemap/nemmap/Ent156html/nemas/ancylostomanecator Hookworms Taxonomy, Common Name, Disease * CLASS: SECERNENTEA * ORDER: STRONGYLIDA (STRONGYLATA) * SUPERFAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATOIDEA * FAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) Scientific name - Ancylostoma duodenale Common name - Old World hookworm of humans Scientific name - Ancylostoma caninum Common name - dog and cat hookworm Scientific name - Ancylostoma braziliense Common name - dog and cat hookworm FAMILY: UNCINARIIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) Scientific name - Necator americanus Common name - New World hookworm of humans, the American killer Human hookworms: Historical Necator americanus was first discovered in Brazil and Texas, it is thought to have originated in Africa, India, southeast Asia, and China and been transported by man to the New World. The existence of Ancylostoma duodenale in England and Belgium has been known since the first century. It is the first hookworm for which a life cycle was elucidated. In 1896 Arthur Looss, working in Egypt, was dropping cultures of larvae into the mouths of guinea pigs when he spilled some of the culture onto his hand. He noticed that it produced an itching and redness and wondered if infection would occur this way. He began examining his feces at intervals and, after a few weeks, found that he was passing hookworm eggs. The paper on this life cycle is considered a classic in the field. Distribution A. duodenale is the indigenous hookworm of the north-temperate zone of the eastern hemisphere. It is generally confined to temperate latitudes north of 20 degrees north-latitude (southern Europe, northern Africa, India, China, and southeastern Asia, U.S., Caribbean Islands, South America). N. americanus generally occurs south of 20 degrees north latitude and north of 20 degrees south latitude. The limiting factor in the distributional pattern is associated with the ability of juveniles to survive environmental conditions, particularly cold and arid conditions. Life Cycle Eggs are passed with the feces. Eggs hatch in about 48 hours under favorable conditions (a) moist aerated soil; (b) protection from direct sun rays; © temperature of about 25 C. Excess water, high soil acidity, direct sunlight and drying inhibit hatching. The first-stage juveniles feed upon bacteria in the feces for about three days and then molt to second-stage juveniles. First and second stage juveniles have a rhabditiform esophagus. A second molt occurs in 5 to 8 days and these juveniles are the third-stage infective juveniles, they do not feed, and may retain the cuticle of the second-stage juveniles which provides some protection from adverse environmental conditions, and have a strongyliform esophagus (posterior bulb not separated from the corpus by an isthmus). The infective juveniles are able to survive 6-9 weeks at 25 C and 4 weeks at 15 C. At 0 C death occurs rapidly. They move to the surface of the soil and wave back and forth which increases the chance to contact a host. Infection by human hookworm is through the skin (cutaneous) usually the feet or hands. After penetration the juveniles are carried by venous blood to the heart, to the lungs, break through into air sacs, to the trachea, and upon being swallowed pass to the small intestine. Here they attach to the intestinal mucosa or villi where they feed on blood, and molt twice to adults. Copulation takes place and eggs appear in the feces about 6 weeks after infection. Approximately five weeks pass from infection to the production of eggs. Adult worms may live 5 years or more but most live for short periods. Peak egg production is reached about 6 months after infection. The number of eggs laid by individual females varies with the number of worms present but may reach 5-10,000 in light infections. A female may lay several thousand eggs per day. Symptoms-Pathogenicity 1. Itching of skin as the result of penetration by juveniles. 2. Congestion in lungs in heavy infections. 3. Anemia due to loss of blood, particularly if diet is deficient. 4. Diarrhea. 5. Persons with chronic hookworm disease are debilitated. Management 1. Hookworm disease of man is best controlled by sanitation involving the proper disposal of human feces. 2. Treatment of infected individuals and proper diets to correct anemia. 3. Protective measures such as wearing of shoes in areas where hookworm is endemic. 4. Vermox (mebendazole). Diagnosis is by demonstration of hookworm eggs or the worms themselves in feces. Larvae can be confused with those of Strongyloides. The tail of hookworms is pointed while that of Strongyloides is notched. Importance Importance: Over 900 million people are thought to be infected with hookworms. In the southeastern U.S. 4 to 15% of humans are thought to be infected. Characteristics Much similarity of morphology and biology exists among the hookworms (Families: Ancylostomatidae and Uncinariidae). Most species are rather stout, and the anterior end is curved dorsad, giving the worm a hooklike appearance. The buccal capsule is large and heavily sclerotized and usually is armed with cutting plates, teeth, lancets, or a dorsal cone. A dorsal gutter extends along the middorsal wall of the buccal capsule, emptying the dorsal esophageal gland into it. Lips are reduced or absent. The esophagus is stout, with a swollen posterior end, giving it a club shape. It is mainly muscular, corresponding to its action as a powerful pump. The esophageal glands are extremely large and are mainly outside of the esophagus, extending posteriad into the body cavity. Cervical papillae are present near the rear level of the nerve ring. Males have a conspicuous copulatory bursa, consisting of two broad lateral lobes and a smaller dorsal lobe, all supported by fleshy rays. These rays follow a common pattern in all species, varying only in relative size and point of origin; consequently, they are important taxonomic characters. The spicules are simple, needlelike, and similar. A gubernaculum is present. Females have a simple, conical tail. The vulva is postequatorial, and two ovaries are present. About 5% of the daily output of eggs is found in the uteri at any one time; the total production is several thousand per day for as long as 9 years. Necator americanus has a pair of dorsal and a pair of ventral cutting plates surrounding the anterior margin of the buccal capsule. In addition, a pair of subdorsal and a pair of subventral teeth are near the rear of the buccal capsule. Males are 7 to 9 mm long and have a bursa diagnostic for the genus. The needlelike spicules have minute barbs at their tips and are fused distally. Females are 9 to 11 mm long and have the vulva located in about the middle of the body. The anterior margin of the buccal capsule of Ancylostoma duodenale has two ventral plates, each with two large teeth that are fused at their bases. A pair of small teeth is found in the depths of the capsule. Adult males are 8 to 11 mm long and have a bursa characteristic for the species. The needlelike spicules have simple tips and are never fused distally. Females are 10 to 13 mm long, with the vulva located about a third of the body length from the posterior end. References 1. Schmidt, G.S., and L.S. Roberts. 1989. Chapter 26. Order Strongylata: Bursate Phasmidians. in Foundations of Parasitology. Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing. St. Louis. 750 pages. 2. Markell, E.K., M. Voge, D.T. John. 1992. Medical Parasitology. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. 463 pages. 3. Maggenti, A.R. 1981. General Nematology. Springer-Verlag, New York. 372 pages. 4. Chandler, A.C. and C.P. Read. 1961. Introduction to Parasitology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 822 pages. 5. Noble, E.R. and G.A. Noble. 1973. Parasitology The Biology of Animal Parasites. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. 617 pages. 6. Georgi, J.R. and M.E. Georgi. 1990. Parasitology for Veterinarians. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. 411 pages. Hookworms of Other Animals: Other species of hookworms are associated with a variety of carnivores and ruminants including dogs, cats, foxes, wolves, swine, cattle, sheep, goats, alpaca, llama, deer, seals, and elephants. The life cycles of these hookworms are all similar to those of human hookworm with some exceptions relative to the mode of infection. The principal effect upon the host is associated with loss of blood. A. caninum - is the most common hookworm of dogs and cats in the northern hemisphere. Humans are not a normal host and a condition called creeping eruption or cutaneous larva migrans occurs when humans become infested. Oral infection of cats and dogs is common with this hookworm. The ingested juveniles pass to the small intestine where they may penetrate the intestinal wall and proceed as in cutaneous infection, or they may enter the intestinal mucosa and then return to the lumen and develop to adults. A. braziliense - is common in dogs and cats in the tropics. Infection is usually cutaneous and the migration through the body is as in human hookworm. It also causes creeping eruption in humans. Prenatal infections are common in dogs. If pregnant females are exposed to infection some of the juveniles pass through the placenta and infect the fetus. The worms in the fetus do not mature until the pups are born. Death may occur in prenatally infected pups. There is evidence indicating that older dogs are less susceptible to hookworm infection than young dogs. Also older dogs may develop immunity due to earlier infections. The young of fur seals become infected through the mother's milk. This has also been reported for dog hookworm, but is not common. Management Clean quarters, removal of feces, exposure of inclosures to sunshine, gravel surfaces, anthelmintic treatments to rid animals of infections, adequate diets. Animals on deficient diets are more susceptible to infection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Has anybody actually tried any alternative method for getting rid of parasites, other than these electronic devices? Do things you find in healthfood stores like wormwood, black walnut, chinese coptis root, etc. really work! califpacific wrote: > > > Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:38:27 -0000 > Hookworms: Necator americanus > > http://ucdnema. ucdavis.edu/ imagemap/ nemmap/Ent156htm > l/nemas/ancylost omanecator > <http://ucdnema.ucdavis.edu/imagemap/nemmap/Ent156html/nemas/ancylostomanecator> > > Hookworms > Taxonomy, Common Name, Disease > > * CLASS: SECERNENTEA > * ORDER: STRONGYLIDA (STRONGYLATA) > * SUPERFAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATOIDEA > * FAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma duodenale > Common name - Old World hookworm of humans > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma caninum > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma braziliense > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > FAMILY: UNCINARIIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > Scientific name - Necator americanus > Common name - New World hookworm of humans, the American killer > Human hookworms: > > Historical > Necator americanus was first discovered in Brazil and Texas, it is > thought to have originated in Africa, India, southeast Asia, and China > and been transported by man to the New World. The existence of > Ancylostoma duodenale in England and Belgium has been known since the > first century. It is the first hookworm for which a life cycle was > elucidated. In 1896 Arthur Looss, working in Egypt, was dropping > cultures of larvae into the mouths of guinea pigs when he spilled some > of the culture onto his hand. He noticed that it produced an itching > and redness and wondered if infection would occur this way. He began > examining his feces at intervals and, after a few weeks, found that he > was passing hookworm eggs. The paper on this life cycle is considered > a classic in the field. > Distribution > A. duodenale is the indigenous hookworm of the north-temperate zone of > the eastern hemisphere. It is generally confined to temperate > latitudes north of 20 degrees north-latitude (southern Europe, > northern Africa, India, China, and southeastern Asia, U.S., Caribbean > Islands, South America). N. americanus generally occurs south of 20 > degrees north latitude and north of 20 degrees south latitude. > > The limiting factor in the distributional pattern is associated with > the ability of juveniles to survive environmental conditions, > particularly cold and arid conditions. > Life Cycle > Eggs are passed with the feces. Eggs hatch in about 48 hours under > favorable conditions (a) moist aerated soil; (b) protection from > direct sun rays; © temperature of about 25 C. Excess water, high > soil acidity, direct sunlight and drying inhibit hatching. The > first-stage juveniles feed upon bacteria in the feces for about three > days and then molt to second-stage juveniles. First and second stage > juveniles have a rhabditiform esophagus. A second molt occurs in 5 to > 8 days and these juveniles are the third-stage infective juveniles, > they do not feed, and may retain the cuticle of the second-stage > juveniles which provides some protection from adverse environmental > conditions, and have a strongyliform esophagus (posterior bulb not > separated from the corpus by an isthmus). The infective juveniles are > able to survive 6-9 weeks at 25 C and 4 weeks at 15 C. At 0 C death > occurs rapidly. They move to the surface of the soil and wave back and > forth which increases the chance to contact a host. > > Infection by human hookworm is through the skin (cutaneous) usually > the feet or hands. After penetration the juveniles are carried by > venous blood to the heart, to the lungs, break through into air sacs, > to the trachea, and upon being swallowed pass to the small intestine. > Here they attach to the intestinal mucosa or villi where they feed on > blood, and molt twice to adults. Copulation takes place and eggs > appear in the feces about 6 weeks after infection. Approximately five > weeks pass from infection to the production of eggs. Adult worms may > live 5 years or more but most live for short periods. Peak egg > production is reached about 6 months after infection. The number of > eggs laid by individual females varies with the number of worms > present but may reach 5-10,000 in light infections. A female may lay > several thousand eggs per day. > Symptoms-Pathogenic ity > > 1. Itching of skin as the result of penetration by juveniles. > 2. Congestion in lungs in heavy infections. > 3. Anemia due to loss of blood, particularly if diet is deficient. > 4. Diarrhea. > 5. Persons with chronic hookworm disease are debilitated. > > Management > > 1. Hookworm disease of man is best controlled by sanitation > involving the proper disposal of human feces. > 2. Treatment of infected individuals and proper diets to correct > anemia. > 3. Protective measures such as wearing of shoes in areas where > hookworm is endemic. > 4. Vermox (mebendazole) . > > Diagnosis is by demonstration of hookworm eggs or the worms themselves > in feces. Larvae can be confused with those of Strongyloides. The tail > of hookworms is pointed while that of Strongyloides is notched. > Importance > Importance: Over 900 million people are thought to be infected with > hookworms. In the southeastern U.S. 4 to 15% of humans are thought to > be infected. > Characteristics > Much similarity of morphology and biology exists among the hookworms > (Families: Ancylostomatidae and Uncinariidae) . Most species are rather > stout, and the anterior end is curved dorsad, giving the worm a > hooklike appearance. The buccal capsule is large and heavily > sclerotized and usually is armed with cutting plates, teeth, lancets, > or a dorsal cone. A dorsal gutter extends along the middorsal wall of > the buccal capsule, emptying the dorsal esophageal gland into it. Lips > are reduced or absent. The esophagus is stout, with a swollen > posterior end, giving it a club shape. It is mainly muscular, > corresponding to its action as a powerful pump. The esophageal glands > are extremely large and are mainly outside of the esophagus, extending > posteriad into the body cavity. Cervical papillae are present near the > rear level of the nerve ring. Males have a conspicuous copulatory > bursa, consisting of two broad lateral lobes and a smaller dorsal > lobe, all supported by fleshy rays. These rays follow a common pattern > in all species, varying only in relative size and point of origin; > consequently, they are important taxonomic characters. The spicules > are simple, needlelike, and similar. A gubernaculum is present. > Females have a simple, conical tail. The vulva is postequatorial, and > two ovaries are present. About 5% of the daily output of eggs is found > in the uteri at any one time; the total production is several thousand > per day for as long as 9 years. > > Necator americanus has a pair of dorsal and a pair of ventral cutting > plates surrounding the anterior margin of the buccal capsule. In > addition, a pair of subdorsal and a pair of subventral teeth are near > the rear of the buccal capsule. Males are 7 to 9 mm long and have a > bursa diagnostic for the genus. The needlelike spicules have minute > barbs at their tips and are fused distally. Females are 9 to 11 mm > long and have the vulva located in about the middle of the body. The > anterior margin of the buccal capsule of Ancylostoma duodenale has two > ventral plates, each with two large teeth that are fused at their > bases. A pair of small teeth is found in the depths of the capsule. > Adult males are 8 to 11 mm long and have a bursa characteristic for > the species. The needlelike spicules have simple tips and are never > fused distally. Females are 10 to 13 mm long, with the vulva located > about a third of the body length from the posterior end. > References > > 1. Schmidt, G.S., and L.S. Roberts. 1989. Chapter 26. Order > Strongylata: Bursate Phasmidians. in Foundations of Parasitology. > Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing. St. Louis. 750 pages. > 2. Markell, E.K., M. Voge, D.T. John. 1992. Medical Parasitology. > W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. 463 pages. > 3. Maggenti, A.R. 1981. General Nematology. Springer-Verlag, New > York. 372 pages. > 4. Chandler, A.C. and C.P. Read. 1961. Introduction to > Parasitology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 822 pages. > 5. Noble, E.R. and G.A. Noble. 1973. Parasitology The Biology of > Animal Parasites. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. 617 pages. > 6. Georgi, J.R. and M.E. Georgi. 1990. Parasitology for > Veterinarians. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. 411 pages. > > Hookworms of Other Animals: > Other species of hookworms are associated with a variety of carnivores > and ruminants including dogs, cats, foxes, wolves, swine, cattle, > sheep, goats, alpaca, llama, deer, seals, and elephants. The life > cycles of these hookworms are all similar to those of human hookworm > with some exceptions relative to the mode of infection. The principal > effect upon the host is associated with loss of blood. > > A. caninum - is the most common hookworm of dogs and cats in the > northern hemisphere. Humans are not a normal host and a condition > called creeping eruption or cutaneous larva migrans occurs when humans > become infested. Oral infection of cats and dogs is common with this > hookworm. The ingested juveniles pass to the small intestine where > they may penetrate the intestinal wall and proceed as in cutaneous > infection, or they may enter the intestinal mucosa and then return to > the lumen and develop to adults. > > A. braziliense - is common in dogs and cats in the tropics. Infection > is usually cutaneous and the migration through the body is as in human > hookworm. It also causes creeping eruption in humans. Prenatal > infections are common in dogs. If pregnant females are exposed to > infection some of the juveniles pass through the placenta and infect > the fetus. The worms in the fetus do not mature until the pups are > born. Death may occur in prenatally infected pups. There is evidence > indicating that older dogs are less susceptible to hookworm infection > than young dogs. Also older dogs may develop immunity due to earlier > infections. > > The young of fur seals become infected through the mother's milk. This > has also been reported for dog hookworm, but is not common. > Management > Clean quarters, removal of feces, exposure of inclosures to sunshine, > gravel surfaces, anthelmintic treatments to rid animals of infections, > adequate diets. Animals on deficient diets are more susceptible to > infection. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 , Domingo Pichardo <dpichardo3 wrote: > > Has anybody actually tried any alternative method for getting rid of > parasites, other than these electronic devices? Do things you find in > healthfood stores like wormwood, black walnut, chinese coptis root, etc. > really work! > I think that most people in the alternative health community know that herbal treatments work against parasites. Try searching the archives in this group. Try searching the web using search engines like Google or . The problem is that some of these parasites are so tough to do away with sometimes, that most people are glad to have as many weapons in their arsenal against them as possible, so they are willing to educate thenselves as to all what is available, and to use whatever it takes to do the job. That includes, electro-meds, hebal preperations, or even allopathic poisons if necessary. Her are a few things to think about as possiblities. Everyone has parasites Parasites cause many, if not most, of the health problems that we see in our societies. Most people will eventually get sick with some health conditions that are in reality probably due to parasite infections. Most will be treated by allopathic methods to treat symptoms because for most diseases or conditions and as to what causes the disease, the 'reason given for the disease is supposedly unknown by " modern science " but hopefully someday in the future we will learn what the cause is'. Most people in developed western western cultures are manily ignorant about parasites. Almost all medical doctors are ignorant about parasites. The people in the USA are the most ignorant about parasites due to information and research about parasites is being suppressed by allopathic medicine authorities, governments and drug companies. If I may make a suggestion, please think about educating yourself about parasites and share with us what you find out. Theoretically at least that is how this group is suppossed to work. > califpacific wrote: > > > > > > Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:38:27 -0000 > > Hookworms: Necator americanus > > > > http://ucdnema. ucdavis.edu/ imagemap/ nemmap/Ent156htm > > l/nemas/ancylost omanecator > > <http://ucdnema.ucdavis.edu/imagemap/nemmap/Ent156html/nemas/ancylostomanecator> > > > > Hookworms > > Taxonomy, Common Name, Disease > > > > * CLASS: SECERNENTEA > > * ORDER: STRONGYLIDA (STRONGYLATA) > > * SUPERFAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATOIDEA > > * FAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma duodenale > > Common name - Old World hookworm of humans > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma caninum > > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma braziliense > > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > > > FAMILY: UNCINARIIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > > > Scientific name - Necator americanus > > Common name - New World hookworm of humans, the American killer > > Human hookworms: > > > > Historical > > Necator americanus was first discovered in Brazil and Texas, it is > > thought to have originated in Africa, India, southeast Asia, and China > > and been transported by man to the New World. The existence of > > Ancylostoma duodenale in England and Belgium has been known since the > > first century. It is the first hookworm for which a life cycle was > > elucidated. In 1896 Arthur Looss, working in Egypt, was dropping > > cultures of larvae into the mouths of guinea pigs when he spilled some > > of the culture onto his hand. He noticed that it produced an itching > > and redness and wondered if infection would occur this way. He began > > examining his feces at intervals and, after a few weeks, found that he > > was passing hookworm eggs. The paper on this life cycle is considered > > a classic in the field. > > Distribution > > A. duodenale is the indigenous hookworm of the north-temperate zone of > > the eastern hemisphere. It is generally confined to temperate > > latitudes north of 20 degrees north-latitude (southern Europe, > > northern Africa, India, China, and southeastern Asia, U.S., Caribbean > > Islands, South America). N. americanus generally occurs south of 20 > > degrees north latitude and north of 20 degrees south latitude. > > > > The limiting factor in the distributional pattern is associated with > > the ability of juveniles to survive environmental conditions, > > particularly cold and arid conditions. > > Life Cycle > > Eggs are passed with the feces. Eggs hatch in about 48 hours under > > favorable conditions (a) moist aerated soil; (b) protection from > > direct sun rays; © temperature of about 25 C. Excess water, high > > soil acidity, direct sunlight and drying inhibit hatching. The > > first-stage juveniles feed upon bacteria in the feces for about three > > days and then molt to second-stage juveniles. First and second stage > > juveniles have a rhabditiform esophagus. A second molt occurs in 5 to > > 8 days and these juveniles are the third-stage infective juveniles, > > they do not feed, and may retain the cuticle of the second-stage > > juveniles which provides some protection from adverse environmental > > conditions, and have a strongyliform esophagus (posterior bulb not > > separated from the corpus by an isthmus). The infective juveniles are > > able to survive 6-9 weeks at 25 C and 4 weeks at 15 C. At 0 C death > > occurs rapidly. They move to the surface of the soil and wave back and > > forth which increases the chance to contact a host. > > > > Infection by human hookworm is through the skin (cutaneous) usually > > the feet or hands. After penetration the juveniles are carried by > > venous blood to the heart, to the lungs, break through into air sacs, > > to the trachea, and upon being swallowed pass to the small intestine. > > Here they attach to the intestinal mucosa or villi where they feed on > > blood, and molt twice to adults. Copulation takes place and eggs > > appear in the feces about 6 weeks after infection. Approximately five > > weeks pass from infection to the production of eggs. Adult worms may > > live 5 years or more but most live for short periods. Peak egg > > production is reached about 6 months after infection. The number of > > eggs laid by individual females varies with the number of worms > > present but may reach 5-10,000 in light infections. A female may lay > > several thousand eggs per day. > > Symptoms-Pathogenic ity > > > > 1. Itching of skin as the result of penetration by juveniles. > > 2. Congestion in lungs in heavy infections. > > 3. Anemia due to loss of blood, particularly if diet is deficient. > > 4. Diarrhea. > > 5. Persons with chronic hookworm disease are debilitated. > > > > Management > > > > 1. Hookworm disease of man is best controlled by sanitation > > involving the proper disposal of human feces. > > 2. Treatment of infected individuals and proper diets to correct > > anemia. > > 3. Protective measures such as wearing of shoes in areas where > > hookworm is endemic. > > 4. Vermox (mebendazole) . > > > > Diagnosis is by demonstration of hookworm eggs or the worms themselves > > in feces. Larvae can be confused with those of Strongyloides. The tail > > of hookworms is pointed while that of Strongyloides is notched. > > Importance > > Importance: Over 900 million people are thought to be infected with > > hookworms. In the southeastern U.S. 4 to 15% of humans are thought to > > be infected. > > Characteristics > > Much similarity of morphology and biology exists among the hookworms > > (Families: Ancylostomatidae and Uncinariidae) . Most species are rather > > stout, and the anterior end is curved dorsad, giving the worm a > > hooklike appearance. The buccal capsule is large and heavily > > sclerotized and usually is armed with cutting plates, teeth, lancets, > > or a dorsal cone. A dorsal gutter extends along the middorsal wall of > > the buccal capsule, emptying the dorsal esophageal gland into it. Lips > > are reduced or absent. The esophagus is stout, with a swollen > > posterior end, giving it a club shape. It is mainly muscular, > > corresponding to its action as a powerful pump. The esophageal glands > > are extremely large and are mainly outside of the esophagus, extending > > posteriad into the body cavity. Cervical papillae are present near the > > rear level of the nerve ring. Males have a conspicuous copulatory > > bursa, consisting of two broad lateral lobes and a smaller dorsal > > lobe, all supported by fleshy rays. These rays follow a common pattern > > in all species, varying only in relative size and point of origin; > > consequently, they are important taxonomic characters. The spicules > > are simple, needlelike, and similar. A gubernaculum is present. > > Females have a simple, conical tail. The vulva is postequatorial, and > > two ovaries are present. About 5% of the daily output of eggs is found > > in the uteri at any one time; the total production is several thousand > > per day for as long as 9 years. > > > > Necator americanus has a pair of dorsal and a pair of ventral cutting > > plates surrounding the anterior margin of the buccal capsule. In > > addition, a pair of subdorsal and a pair of subventral teeth are near > > the rear of the buccal capsule. Males are 7 to 9 mm long and have a > > bursa diagnostic for the genus. The needlelike spicules have minute > > barbs at their tips and are fused distally. Females are 9 to 11 mm > > long and have the vulva located in about the middle of the body. The > > anterior margin of the buccal capsule of Ancylostoma duodenale has two > > ventral plates, each with two large teeth that are fused at their > > bases. A pair of small teeth is found in the depths of the capsule. > > Adult males are 8 to 11 mm long and have a bursa characteristic for > > the species. The needlelike spicules have simple tips and are never > > fused distally. Females are 10 to 13 mm long, with the vulva located > > about a third of the body length from the posterior end. > > References > > > > 1. Schmidt, G.S., and L.S. Roberts. 1989. Chapter 26. Order > > Strongylata: Bursate Phasmidians. in Foundations of Parasitology. > > Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing. St. Louis. 750 pages. > > 2. Markell, E.K., M. Voge, D.T. John. 1992. Medical Parasitology. > > W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. 463 pages. > > 3. Maggenti, A.R. 1981. General Nematology. Springer-Verlag, New > > York. 372 pages. > > 4. Chandler, A.C. and C.P. Read. 1961. Introduction to > > Parasitology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 822 pages. > > 5. Noble, E.R. and G.A. Noble. 1973. Parasitology The Biology of > > Animal Parasites. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. 617 pages. > > 6. Georgi, J.R. and M.E. Georgi. 1990. Parasitology for > > Veterinarians. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. 411 pages. > > > > Hookworms of Other Animals: > > Other species of hookworms are associated with a variety of carnivores > > and ruminants including dogs, cats, foxes, wolves, swine, cattle, > > sheep, goats, alpaca, llama, deer, seals, and elephants. The life > > cycles of these hookworms are all similar to those of human hookworm > > with some exceptions relative to the mode of infection. The principal > > effect upon the host is associated with loss of blood. > > > > A. caninum - is the most common hookworm of dogs and cats in the > > northern hemisphere. Humans are not a normal host and a condition > > called creeping eruption or cutaneous larva migrans occurs when humans > > become infested. Oral infection of cats and dogs is common with this > > hookworm. The ingested juveniles pass to the small intestine where > > they may penetrate the intestinal wall and proceed as in cutaneous > > infection, or they may enter the intestinal mucosa and then return to > > the lumen and develop to adults. > > > > A. braziliense - is common in dogs and cats in the tropics. Infection > > is usually cutaneous and the migration through the body is as in human > > hookworm. It also causes creeping eruption in humans. Prenatal > > infections are common in dogs. If pregnant females are exposed to > > infection some of the juveniles pass through the placenta and infect > > the fetus. The worms in the fetus do not mature until the pups are > > born. Death may occur in prenatally infected pups. There is evidence > > indicating that older dogs are less susceptible to hookworm infection > > than young dogs. Also older dogs may develop immunity due to earlier > > infections. > > > > The young of fur seals become infected through the mother's milk. This > > has also been reported for dog hookworm, but is not common. > > Management > > Clean quarters, removal of feces, exposure of inclosures to sunshine, > > gravel surfaces, anthelmintic treatments to rid animals of infections, > > adequate diets. Animals on deficient diets are more susceptible to > > infection. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Thanks for your response... of course I have already done some of the things you suggested and there is no lack of so call " testimonials " out there in cyberspace... most of the time though these are connected to some " product " being pushed by the same site, ergo my question to some of the readers on this board whom I hope have nothing to gain by telling me about the efficacy of some treatment that they may have personally tried! I have always had the fear of parasite infestation on the back of my mind and I just came back from a two week vacation to the Dominican Republic (where I was born) which included eating a lot of food and visits to farms, etc. One of my friend's daughter there is a new MD and I was telling her about my concern when she said, wait, I have something for you and came back with four little boxes of something called Aldezol (Albendazole 400 mg antiparasitic) 10 ml suspension. she said to take one dose and wait 15 days and take the other. She said my wife should do it too! Apparently this is the standard treatment they are using! She said that there were no side effect, but when I looked it up there were some issues with its excretion from the body in case of kidney problems and its effects on the liver if that happens. Well, I haven't taken it and it's been two weeks since I came back... I don't have any unusual symptoms right now but I do feel like I need to detox and also do some kind of prophylactic treatment, just in case! Peace... and thanks again for listening! Domingo P. S. I love this group... I really hate the " Decider " califpacific wrote: > > Alternative_ Medicine_ Forum@ s.com > <%40>, Domingo Pichardo > <dpichardo3@ ...> wrote: > > > > Has anybody actually tried any alternative method for getting rid of > > parasites, other than these electronic devices? Do things you find in > > healthfood stores like wormwood, black walnut, chinese coptis root, > etc. > > really work! > > > > I think that most people in the alternative health community know that > herbal treatments work against parasites. Try searching the archives > in this group. Try searching the web using search engines like Google > or . > > The problem is that some of these parasites are so tough to do away > with sometimes, that most people are glad to have as many weapons in > their arsenal against them as possible, so they are willing to educate > thenselves as to all what is available, and to use whatever it takes > to do the job. That includes, electro-meds, hebal preperations, or > even allopathic poisons if necessary. > > Her are a few things to think about as possiblities. > > Everyone has parasites > Parasites cause many, if not most, of the health problems that we see > in our societies. > Most people will eventually get sick with some health conditions that > are in reality probably due to parasite infections. Most will be > treated by allopathic methods to treat symptoms because for most > diseases or conditions and as to what causes the disease, the 'reason > given for the disease is supposedly unknown by " modern science " but > hopefully someday in the future we will learn what the cause is'. > Most people in developed western western cultures are manily ignorant > about parasites. Almost all medical doctors are ignorant about parasites. > The people in the USA are the most ignorant about parasites due to > information and research about parasites is being suppressed by > allopathic medicine authorities, governments and drug companies. > > If I may make a suggestion, please think about educating yourself > about parasites and share with us what you find out. Theoretically at > least that is how this group is suppossed to work. > > > califpacific wrote: > > > > > > > > > Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:38:27 -0000 > > > Hookworms: Necator americanus > > > > > > http://ucdnema. ucdavis.edu/ imagemap/ nemmap/Ent156htm > > > l/nemas/ancylost omanecator > > > > <http://ucdnema. ucdavis.edu/ imagemap/ nemmap/Ent156htm > l/nemas/ancylost omanecator > <http://ucdnema.ucdavis.edu/imagemap/nemmap/Ent156html/nemas/ancylostomanecator>\ > > > > > > > Hookworms > > > Taxonomy, Common Name, Disease > > > > > > * CLASS: SECERNENTEA > > > * ORDER: STRONGYLIDA (STRONGYLATA) > > > * SUPERFAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATOIDEA > > > * FAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma duodenale > > > Common name - Old World hookworm of humans > > > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma caninum > > > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma braziliense > > > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > > > > > FAMILY: UNCINARIIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > > > > > Scientific name - Necator americanus > > > Common name - New World hookworm of humans, the American killer > > > Human hookworms: > > > > > > Historical > > > Necator americanus was first discovered in Brazil and Texas, it is > > > thought to have originated in Africa, India, southeast Asia, and China > > > and been transported by man to the New World. The existence of > > > Ancylostoma duodenale in England and Belgium has been known since the > > > first century. It is the first hookworm for which a life cycle was > > > elucidated. In 1896 Arthur Looss, working in Egypt, was dropping > > > cultures of larvae into the mouths of guinea pigs when he spilled some > > > of the culture onto his hand. He noticed that it produced an itching > > > and redness and wondered if infection would occur this way. He began > > > examining his feces at intervals and, after a few weeks, found that he > > > was passing hookworm eggs. The paper on this life cycle is considered > > > a classic in the field. > > > Distribution > > > A. duodenale is the indigenous hookworm of the north-temperate zone of > > > the eastern hemisphere. It is generally confined to temperate > > > latitudes north of 20 degrees north-latitude (southern Europe, > > > northern Africa, India, China, and southeastern Asia, U.S., Caribbean > > > Islands, South America). N. americanus generally occurs south of 20 > > > degrees north latitude and north of 20 degrees south latitude. > > > > > > The limiting factor in the distributional pattern is associated with > > > the ability of juveniles to survive environmental conditions, > > > particularly cold and arid conditions. > > > Life Cycle > > > Eggs are passed with the feces. Eggs hatch in about 48 hours under > > > favorable conditions (a) moist aerated soil; (b) protection from > > > direct sun rays; © temperature of about 25 C. Excess water, high > > > soil acidity, direct sunlight and drying inhibit hatching. The > > > first-stage juveniles feed upon bacteria in the feces for about three > > > days and then molt to second-stage juveniles. First and second stage > > > juveniles have a rhabditiform esophagus. A second molt occurs in 5 to > > > 8 days and these juveniles are the third-stage infective juveniles, > > > they do not feed, and may retain the cuticle of the second-stage > > > juveniles which provides some protection from adverse environmental > > > conditions, and have a strongyliform esophagus (posterior bulb not > > > separated from the corpus by an isthmus). The infective juveniles are > > > able to survive 6-9 weeks at 25 C and 4 weeks at 15 C. At 0 C death > > > occurs rapidly. They move to the surface of the soil and wave back and > > > forth which increases the chance to contact a host. > > > > > > Infection by human hookworm is through the skin (cutaneous) usually > > > the feet or hands. After penetration the juveniles are carried by > > > venous blood to the heart, to the lungs, break through into air sacs, > > > to the trachea, and upon being swallowed pass to the small intestine. > > > Here they attach to the intestinal mucosa or villi where they feed on > > > blood, and molt twice to adults. Copulation takes place and eggs > > > appear in the feces about 6 weeks after infection. Approximately five > > > weeks pass from infection to the production of eggs. Adult worms may > > > live 5 years or more but most live for short periods. Peak egg > > > production is reached about 6 months after infection. The number of > > > eggs laid by individual females varies with the number of worms > > > present but may reach 5-10,000 in light infections. A female may lay > > > several thousand eggs per day. > > > Symptoms-Pathogenic ity > > > > > > 1. Itching of skin as the result of penetration by juveniles. > > > 2. Congestion in lungs in heavy infections. > > > 3. Anemia due to loss of blood, particularly if diet is deficient. > > > 4. Diarrhea. > > > 5. Persons with chronic hookworm disease are debilitated. > > > > > > Management > > > > > > 1. Hookworm disease of man is best controlled by sanitation > > > involving the proper disposal of human feces. > > > 2. Treatment of infected individuals and proper diets to correct > > > anemia. > > > 3. Protective measures such as wearing of shoes in areas where > > > hookworm is endemic. > > > 4. Vermox (mebendazole) . > > > > > > Diagnosis is by demonstration of hookworm eggs or the worms themselves > > > in feces. Larvae can be confused with those of Strongyloides. The tail > > > of hookworms is pointed while that of Strongyloides is notched. > > > Importance > > > Importance: Over 900 million people are thought to be infected with > > > hookworms. In the southeastern U.S. 4 to 15% of humans are thought to > > > be infected. > > > Characteristics > > > Much similarity of morphology and biology exists among the hookworms > > > (Families: Ancylostomatidae and Uncinariidae) . Most species are > rather > > > stout, and the anterior end is curved dorsad, giving the worm a > > > hooklike appearance. The buccal capsule is large and heavily > > > sclerotized and usually is armed with cutting plates, teeth, lancets, > > > or a dorsal cone. A dorsal gutter extends along the middorsal wall of > > > the buccal capsule, emptying the dorsal esophageal gland into it. Lips > > > are reduced or absent. The esophagus is stout, with a swollen > > > posterior end, giving it a club shape. It is mainly muscular, > > > corresponding to its action as a powerful pump. The esophageal glands > > > are extremely large and are mainly outside of the esophagus, extending > > > posteriad into the body cavity. Cervical papillae are present near the > > > rear level of the nerve ring. Males have a conspicuous copulatory > > > bursa, consisting of two broad lateral lobes and a smaller dorsal > > > lobe, all supported by fleshy rays. These rays follow a common pattern > > > in all species, varying only in relative size and point of origin; > > > consequently, they are important taxonomic characters. The spicules > > > are simple, needlelike, and similar. A gubernaculum is present. > > > Females have a simple, conical tail. The vulva is postequatorial, and > > > two ovaries are present. About 5% of the daily output of eggs is found > > > in the uteri at any one time; the total production is several thousand > > > per day for as long as 9 years. > > > > > > Necator americanus has a pair of dorsal and a pair of ventral cutting > > > plates surrounding the anterior margin of the buccal capsule. In > > > addition, a pair of subdorsal and a pair of subventral teeth are near > > > the rear of the buccal capsule. Males are 7 to 9 mm long and have a > > > bursa diagnostic for the genus. The needlelike spicules have minute > > > barbs at their tips and are fused distally. Females are 9 to 11 mm > > > long and have the vulva located in about the middle of the body. The > > > anterior margin of the buccal capsule of Ancylostoma duodenale has two > > > ventral plates, each with two large teeth that are fused at their > > > bases. A pair of small teeth is found in the depths of the capsule. > > > Adult males are 8 to 11 mm long and have a bursa characteristic for > > > the species. The needlelike spicules have simple tips and are never > > > fused distally. Females are 10 to 13 mm long, with the vulva located > > > about a third of the body length from the posterior end. > > > References > > > > > > 1. Schmidt, G.S., and L.S. Roberts. 1989. Chapter 26. Order > > > Strongylata: Bursate Phasmidians. in Foundations of Parasitology. > > > Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing. St. Louis. 750 pages. > > > 2. Markell, E.K., M. Voge, D.T. John. 1992. Medical Parasitology. > > > W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. 463 pages. > > > 3. Maggenti, A.R. 1981. General Nematology. Springer-Verlag, New > > > York. 372 pages. > > > 4. Chandler, A.C. and C.P. Read. 1961. Introduction to > > > Parasitology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 822 pages. > > > 5. Noble, E.R. and G.A. Noble. 1973. Parasitology The Biology of > > > Animal Parasites. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. 617 pages. > > > 6. Georgi, J.R. and M.E. Georgi. 1990. Parasitology for > > > Veterinarians. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. 411 pages. > > > > > > Hookworms of Other Animals: > > > Other species of hookworms are associated with a variety of carnivores > > > and ruminants including dogs, cats, foxes, wolves, swine, cattle, > > > sheep, goats, alpaca, llama, deer, seals, and elephants. The life > > > cycles of these hookworms are all similar to those of human hookworm > > > with some exceptions relative to the mode of infection. The principal > > > effect upon the host is associated with loss of blood. > > > > > > A. caninum - is the most common hookworm of dogs and cats in the > > > northern hemisphere. Humans are not a normal host and a condition > > > called creeping eruption or cutaneous larva migrans occurs when humans > > > become infested. Oral infection of cats and dogs is common with this > > > hookworm. The ingested juveniles pass to the small intestine where > > > they may penetrate the intestinal wall and proceed as in cutaneous > > > infection, or they may enter the intestinal mucosa and then return to > > > the lumen and develop to adults. > > > > > > A. braziliense - is common in dogs and cats in the tropics. Infection > > > is usually cutaneous and the migration through the body is as in human > > > hookworm. It also causes creeping eruption in humans. Prenatal > > > infections are common in dogs. If pregnant females are exposed to > > > infection some of the juveniles pass through the placenta and infect > > > the fetus. The worms in the fetus do not mature until the pups are > > > born. Death may occur in prenatally infected pups. There is evidence > > > indicating that older dogs are less susceptible to hookworm infection > > > than young dogs. Also older dogs may develop immunity due to earlier > > > infections. > > > > > > The young of fur seals become infected through the mother's milk. This > > > has also been reported for dog hookworm, but is not common. > > > Management > > > Clean quarters, removal of feces, exposure of inclosures to sunshine, > > > gravel surfaces, anthelmintic treatments to rid animals of infections, > > > adequate diets. Animals on deficient diets are more susceptible to > > > infection. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 Hi Domingo, I am glad that you like the group. After readiing your message and assuming that you live in the USA, I would like to make a comment. I think that you are implying that since you were in the Dominican Republic, eating lots of food, visits to farms, etc. that you might have picked up something and it being more likely than in the USA. I cannot prove anything about what I am going to say, and probably most on this board will disagree with me but here goes...... It is my personal opinion that since most people in the Dominican Republic are probaly more aware of the possibility of being infected with parasites than are the paeople in the USA .......and the doctors there are more aware of the possibility of their patients being infected with parasites than the doctors are in the USA........(you can see where this is leading up to, no? .....ergo....You are probably more likely to aquire parasites in the USA than in the Dominican Republic. Explanation...... Since most of the people and most of the doctors are unaware of the possibilty of parasite infections in the USA and has been that way for many, many years, it is now probably reaching epidemic proportions there. Awareness usually will equate to treatment. More awareness, more treatment and should equal a less proportion of people with parasites and those probably having less parasites. Less people with less parasites equals less chance for transmission to others. Any food handlers, food preparers, hospital employees, etc, etc., etc., etc., who have parasites will be accidently infecting others in their respective societies. So the more percentage of aware people usually will translate to a less percentage of infected people who are spreading parasites around to others. PS. All countries have plenty of parasites to go around. It is a problem everywhere and has been since before the dinasours. It is just that it is riduculous for the people in the USA and their doctors, authorities, etc. to claim that parasites aren't a problem there. I guess that they are all stopped at the borders somehow. Magic maybe. If the USA doctors, govt, etc. are to be believed about parasites, that parasites aren't a problem there, even with almost no treatment. Then they should do same thing for the animals there in a similar fashion because now all of the poor animals in the USA either have parasites or are on some kind of continous maintenance antiparasite program. I was just wondering why if they can stop human parasites at the border so that there is no problem ....and somehow get the animal parasites that are in the USA, to magically agree not to infect humans also when they are here in the USA, .......why can't they just get the animal parasites to magically not infect animals anymore too? And that way the animals could be magically protected like the people are, ... and look at all of the money they could save in not having to treat all of those animals for parasites in the USA, if only the animals could be protected magically like the humans are there. So, the choice is to accept the standard theory that parasites are not a problem in the USA or the other, like the one that I gave above, that parasites are a problem in the USA just like everywhere else on earth. At least for the animals the second theory seems to hold true. Why wouldn't it also be the case for humans? What da ya think? , Domingo Pichardo <dpichardo3 wrote: > > Thanks for your response... of course I have already done some of the > things you suggested and there is no lack of so call " testimonials " out > there in cyberspace... most of the time though these are connected to > some " product " being pushed by the same site, ergo my question to some > of the readers on this board whom I hope have nothing to gain by telling > me about the efficacy of some treatment that they may have personally > tried! I have always had the fear of parasite infestation on the back of > my mind and I just came back from a two week vacation to the Dominican > Republic (where I was born) which included eating a lot of food and > visits to farms, etc. One of my friend's daughter there is a new MD and > I was telling her about my concern when she said, wait, I have something > for you and came back with four little boxes of something called Aldezol > (Albendazole 400 mg antiparasitic) 10 ml suspension. she said to take > one dose and wait 15 days and take the other. She said my wife should do > it too! Apparently this is the standard treatment they are using! She > said that there were no side effect, but when I looked it up there were > some issues with its excretion from the body in case of kidney problems > and its effects on the liver if that happens. Well, I haven't taken it > and it's been two weeks since I came back... I don't have any unusual > symptoms right now but I do feel like I need to detox and also do some > kind of prophylactic treatment, just in case! > > Peace... and thanks again for listening! > Domingo > > P. S. I love this group... I really hate the " Decider " > > califpacific wrote: > > > > Alternative_ Medicine_ Forum@ s.com > > <%40>, Domingo Pichardo > > <dpichardo3@ ...> wrote: > > > > > > Has anybody actually tried any alternative method for getting rid of > > > parasites, other than these electronic devices? Do things you find in > > > healthfood stores like wormwood, black walnut, chinese coptis root, > > etc. > > > really work! > > > > > > > I think that most people in the alternative health community know that > > herbal treatments work against parasites. Try searching the archives > > in this group. Try searching the web using search engines like Google > > or . > > > > The problem is that some of these parasites are so tough to do away > > with sometimes, that most people are glad to have as many weapons in > > their arsenal against them as possible, so they are willing to educate > > thenselves as to all what is available, and to use whatever it takes > > to do the job. That includes, electro-meds, hebal preperations, or > > even allopathic poisons if necessary. > > > > Her are a few things to think about as possiblities. > > > > Everyone has parasites > > Parasites cause many, if not most, of the health problems that we see > > in our societies. > > Most people will eventually get sick with some health conditions that > > are in reality probably due to parasite infections. Most will be > > treated by allopathic methods to treat symptoms because for most > > diseases or conditions and as to what causes the disease, the 'reason > > given for the disease is supposedly unknown by " modern science " but > > hopefully someday in the future we will learn what the cause is'. > > Most people in developed western western cultures are manily ignorant > > about parasites. Almost all medical doctors are ignorant about parasites. > > The people in the USA are the most ignorant about parasites due to > > information and research about parasites is being suppressed by > > allopathic medicine authorities, governments and drug companies. > > > > If I may make a suggestion, please think about educating yourself > > about parasites and share with us what you find out. Theoretically at > > least that is how this group is suppossed to work. > > > > > califpacific wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:38:27 -0000 > > > > Hookworms: Necator americanus > > > > > > > > http://ucdnema. ucdavis.edu/ imagemap/ nemmap/Ent156htm > > > > l/nemas/ancylost omanecator > > > > > > <http://ucdnema. ucdavis.edu/ imagemap/ nemmap/Ent156htm > > l/nemas/ancylost omanecator > > <http://ucdnema.ucdavis.edu/imagemap/nemmap/Ent156html/nemas/ancylostomanecator>\ > > > > > > > > > Hookworms > > > > Taxonomy, Common Name, Disease > > > > > > > > * CLASS: SECERNENTEA > > > > * ORDER: STRONGYLIDA (STRONGYLATA) > > > > * SUPERFAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATOIDEA > > > > * FAMILY: ANCYLOSTOMATIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > > > > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma duodenale > > > > Common name - Old World hookworm of humans > > > > > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma caninum > > > > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > > > > > > > Scientific name - Ancylostoma braziliense > > > > Common name - dog and cat hookworm > > > > > > > > FAMILY: UNCINARIIDAE (ANCYLOSTOMIDAE) > > > > > > > > Scientific name - Necator americanus > > > > Common name - New World hookworm of humans, the American killer > > > > Human hookworms: > > > > > > > > Historical > > > > Necator americanus was first discovered in Brazil and Texas, it is > > > > thought to have originated in Africa, India, southeast Asia, and China > > > > and been transported by man to the New World. The existence of > > > > Ancylostoma duodenale in England and Belgium has been known since the > > > > first century. It is the first hookworm for which a life cycle was > > > > elucidated. In 1896 Arthur Looss, working in Egypt, was dropping > > > > cultures of larvae into the mouths of guinea pigs when he spilled some > > > > of the culture onto his hand. He noticed that it produced an itching > > > > and redness and wondered if infection would occur this way. He began > > > > examining his feces at intervals and, after a few weeks, found that he > > > > was passing hookworm eggs. The paper on this life cycle is considered > > > > a classic in the field. > > > > Distribution > > > > A. duodenale is the indigenous hookworm of the north-temperate zone of > > > > the eastern hemisphere. It is generally confined to temperate > > > > latitudes north of 20 degrees north-latitude (southern Europe, > > > > northern Africa, India, China, and southeastern Asia, U.S., Caribbean > > > > Islands, South America). N. americanus generally occurs south of 20 > > > > degrees north latitude and north of 20 degrees south latitude. > > > > > > > > The limiting factor in the distributional pattern is associated with > > > > the ability of juveniles to survive environmental conditions, > > > > particularly cold and arid conditions. > > > > Life Cycle > > > > Eggs are passed with the feces. Eggs hatch in about 48 hours under > > > > favorable conditions (a) moist aerated soil; (b) protection from > > > > direct sun rays; © temperature of about 25 C. Excess water, high > > > > soil acidity, direct sunlight and drying inhibit hatching. The > > > > first-stage juveniles feed upon bacteria in the feces for about three > > > > days and then molt to second-stage juveniles. First and second stage > > > > juveniles have a rhabditiform esophagus. A second molt occurs in 5 to > > > > 8 days and these juveniles are the third-stage infective juveniles, > > > > they do not feed, and may retain the cuticle of the second-stage > > > > juveniles which provides some protection from adverse environmental > > > > conditions, and have a strongyliform esophagus (posterior bulb not > > > > separated from the corpus by an isthmus). The infective juveniles are > > > > able to survive 6-9 weeks at 25 C and 4 weeks at 15 C. At 0 C death > > > > occurs rapidly. They move to the surface of the soil and wave back and > > > > forth which increases the chance to contact a host. > > > > > > > > Infection by human hookworm is through the skin (cutaneous) usually > > > > the feet or hands. After penetration the juveniles are carried by > > > > venous blood to the heart, to the lungs, break through into air sacs, > > > > to the trachea, and upon being swallowed pass to the small intestine. > > > > Here they attach to the intestinal mucosa or villi where they feed on > > > > blood, and molt twice to adults. Copulation takes place and eggs > > > > appear in the feces about 6 weeks after infection. Approximately five > > > > weeks pass from infection to the production of eggs. Adult worms may > > > > live 5 years or more but most live for short periods. Peak egg > > > > production is reached about 6 months after infection. The number of > > > > eggs laid by individual females varies with the number of worms > > > > present but may reach 5-10,000 in light infections. A female may lay > > > > several thousand eggs per day. > > > > Symptoms-Pathogenic ity > > > > > > > > 1. Itching of skin as the result of penetration by juveniles. > > > > 2. Congestion in lungs in heavy infections. > > > > 3. Anemia due to loss of blood, particularly if diet is deficient. > > > > 4. Diarrhea. > > > > 5. Persons with chronic hookworm disease are debilitated. > > > > > > > > Management > > > > > > > > 1. Hookworm disease of man is best controlled by sanitation > > > > involving the proper disposal of human feces. > > > > 2. Treatment of infected individuals and proper diets to correct > > > > anemia. > > > > 3. Protective measures such as wearing of shoes in areas where > > > > hookworm is endemic. > > > > 4. Vermox (mebendazole) . > > > > > > > > Diagnosis is by demonstration of hookworm eggs or the worms themselves > > > > in feces. Larvae can be confused with those of Strongyloides. The tail > > > > of hookworms is pointed while that of Strongyloides is notched. > > > > Importance > > > > Importance: Over 900 million people are thought to be infected with > > > > hookworms. In the southeastern U.S. 4 to 15% of humans are thought to > > > > be infected. > > > > Characteristics > > > > Much similarity of morphology and biology exists among the hookworms > > > > (Families: Ancylostomatidae and Uncinariidae) . Most species are > > rather > > > > stout, and the anterior end is curved dorsad, giving the worm a > > > > hooklike appearance. The buccal capsule is large and heavily > > > > sclerotized and usually is armed with cutting plates, teeth, lancets, > > > > or a dorsal cone. A dorsal gutter extends along the middorsal wall of > > > > the buccal capsule, emptying the dorsal esophageal gland into it. Lips > > > > are reduced or absent. The esophagus is stout, with a swollen > > > > posterior end, giving it a club shape. It is mainly muscular, > > > > corresponding to its action as a powerful pump. The esophageal glands > > > > are extremely large and are mainly outside of the esophagus, extending > > > > posteriad into the body cavity. Cervical papillae are present near the > > > > rear level of the nerve ring. Males have a conspicuous copulatory > > > > bursa, consisting of two broad lateral lobes and a smaller dorsal > > > > lobe, all supported by fleshy rays. These rays follow a common pattern > > > > in all species, varying only in relative size and point of origin; > > > > consequently, they are important taxonomic characters. The spicules > > > > are simple, needlelike, and similar. A gubernaculum is present. > > > > Females have a simple, conical tail. The vulva is postequatorial, and > > > > two ovaries are present. About 5% of the daily output of eggs is found > > > > in the uteri at any one time; the total production is several thousand > > > > per day for as long as 9 years. > > > > > > > > Necator americanus has a pair of dorsal and a pair of ventral cutting > > > > plates surrounding the anterior margin of the buccal capsule. In > > > > addition, a pair of subdorsal and a pair of subventral teeth are near > > > > the rear of the buccal capsule. Males are 7 to 9 mm long and have a > > > > bursa diagnostic for the genus. The needlelike spicules have minute > > > > barbs at their tips and are fused distally. Females are 9 to 11 mm > > > > long and have the vulva located in about the middle of the body. The > > > > anterior margin of the buccal capsule of Ancylostoma duodenale has two > > > > ventral plates, each with two large teeth that are fused at their > > > > bases. A pair of small teeth is found in the depths of the capsule. > > > > Adult males are 8 to 11 mm long and have a bursa characteristic for > > > > the species. The needlelike spicules have simple tips and are never > > > > fused distally. Females are 10 to 13 mm long, with the vulva located > > > > about a third of the body length from the posterior end. > > > > References > > > > > > > > 1. Schmidt, G.S., and L.S. Roberts. 1989. Chapter 26. Order > > > > Strongylata: Bursate Phasmidians. in Foundations of Parasitology. > > > > Times Mirror/Mosby College Publishing. St. Louis. 750 pages. > > > > 2. Markell, E.K., M. Voge, D.T. John. 1992. Medical Parasitology. > > > > W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia. 463 pages. > > > > 3. Maggenti, A.R. 1981. General Nematology. Springer-Verlag, New > > > > York. 372 pages. > > > > 4. Chandler, A.C. and C.P. Read. 1961. Introduction to > > > > Parasitology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 822 pages. > > > > 5. Noble, E.R. and G.A. Noble. 1973. Parasitology The Biology of > > > > Animal Parasites. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. 617 pages. > > > > 6. Georgi, J.R. and M.E. Georgi. 1990. Parasitology for > > > > Veterinarians. W.B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia. 411 pages. > > > > > > > > Hookworms of Other Animals: > > > > Other species of hookworms are associated with a variety of carnivores > > > > and ruminants including dogs, cats, foxes, wolves, swine, cattle, > > > > sheep, goats, alpaca, llama, deer, seals, and elephants. The life > > > > cycles of these hookworms are all similar to those of human hookworm > > > > with some exceptions relative to the mode of infection. The principal > > > > effect upon the host is associated with loss of blood. > > > > > > > > A. caninum - is the most common hookworm of dogs and cats in the > > > > northern hemisphere. Humans are not a normal host and a condition > > > > called creeping eruption or cutaneous larva migrans occurs when humans > > > > become infested. Oral infection of cats and dogs is common with this > > > > hookworm. The ingested juveniles pass to the small intestine where > > > > they may penetrate the intestinal wall and proceed as in cutaneous > > > > infection, or they may enter the intestinal mucosa and then return to > > > > the lumen and develop to adults. > > > > > > > > A. braziliense - is common in dogs and cats in the tropics. Infection > > > > is usually cutaneous and the migration through the body is as in human > > > > hookworm. It also causes creeping eruption in humans. Prenatal > > > > infections are common in dogs. If pregnant females are exposed to > > > > infection some of the juveniles pass through the placenta and infect > > > > the fetus. The worms in the fetus do not mature until the pups are > > > > born. Death may occur in prenatally infected pups. There is evidence > > > > indicating that older dogs are less susceptible to hookworm infection > > > > than young dogs. Also older dogs may develop immunity due to earlier > > > > infections. > > > > > > > > The young of fur seals become infected through the mother's milk. This > > > > has also been reported for dog hookworm, but is not common. > > > > Management > > > > Clean quarters, removal of feces, exposure of inclosures to sunshine, > > > > gravel surfaces, anthelmintic treatments to rid animals of infections, > > > > adequate diets. Animals on deficient diets are more susceptible to > > > > infection. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 califpacific wrote: So, the choice is to accept the standard theory that parasites are not a problem in the USA or the other, like the one that I gave above, that parasites are a problem in the USA just like everywhere else on earth. At least for the animals the second theory seems to hold true. Why wouldn't it also be the case for humans? What da ya think? I think you scaring me now! LOL I am not expert on parasites... and anything else for that matter! LOL, but just from a purely philosophical perspective it would seem to me that a true parasite would exist in a symbiotic relationship with its host and that some sort of equilibrium would be reached where they can both exist! The immune system of the host providing the " rules " by which the marriage is consummated... He, he, he It would also seem logical to me that the number and type of parasites in any given host at any given time would be dependent on the food supply that's available for them both to survive. Now as to the question of whether a group/type of parasite can evolve to feed on a certain type of food and climatic condition? I must admit I don't know if that's the case, but it is the case with most other living things. Who knows, maybe the American propensity for fast foods, laden with chemical poisons are keeping the parasite infestation in the US very low... Poor little buggers can't survive n a sea of Carbolic acid from Pepsi and Hydrogenated fats from Mcfries.... LOL And if the food doesn't get them our Fluorinated, Chlorinated, Acidic water is sure enough to do the trick.... how about the flood of electromagnetic radiation we Americans are all exposed to as we sit here in front of our computers and when we use our cell phones with its various multiplexing frequencies frying up our neurons... how about the FM Radio station transmitters sending out all those electromagnetic waves and blanketing our living space with a full spectrum of modulated frequencies... enough for any bug to commit sempuku! LOL I read somewhere that if you were to count the number of cells in a human body, the majority would not be part its own DNA but that of parasites! We are legions... He, he, he. Love and Light, Domingo a.k.a. Father Damien Karras! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 You bring up so many different points that to answer with clarity (at least for me) requires that I answer each between each of your points. I am definately NOT an expert. I am only a copier and paster type of poster. What better way to have a discussion than between two ignorant people discussing the pro's and con's of a subject, no? I see this all of the time in life and on the internet. A great argument will rage between two people who neither could fill a small piece of paper with any real knowledge on the subject. But they proceed to have a battle royal. Of course usually these same people are the same ones to have answers to most of our societie's ills while relying on the same small piece of paper for ammunition. Just another aspect of our human nature? , Domingo Pichardo <dpichardo3 wrote: > > > > califpacific wrote: > > So, the choice is to accept the standard theory that parasites are not > a problem in the USA or the other, like the one that I gave above, > that parasites are a problem in the USA just like everywhere else on > earth. At least for the animals the second theory seems to hold true. > Why wouldn't it also be the case for humans? > > What da ya think? > > > I think you scaring me now! LOL > > I am not expert on parasites... and anything else for that matter! LOL, > but just from a purely philosophical perspective it would seem to me > that a true parasite would exist in a symbiotic relationship with its > host and that some sort of equilibrium would be reached where they can > both exist! The immune system of the host providing the " rules " by which > the marriage is consummated... He, he, he Yes, you would think so by our way of (nonparasite) thinking wouldn't you. I mean from a philosophical viewpoint. It would nicer for us if we got something out of the deal. But parasites are by definition users of others aren't they? After all they are not called co-helpers or similar by some other name. Maybe there are instances of where the host might derive some theoretical benefit, but stepping outside of the philosophical arena into the world of health and sickness, I doubt that you will find many instances of that and what you will find is the many examples where the parasites have the capacity to cause eventual death or destruction whether in animals or humans. I would imagine if you could ask any of the people suffering or dieing from parasites if they would give up any supposed benefit to be rid of them, I believe they almost all would be takers to the deal. I do believe that we will start seeing in the media some supposed benefits being publicized though. That seems to magically happen every time that the populace gets wind of something that is detrimental to themselves, when all of a suddden there will be popping up all over the place little items of information saying that no, those things aren't detrimental at all and maybe even be good for us. LOL. They tried to tell us that toxic sludge, radiation, flouride, etc., etc., are good for us. I think that if you will read up on parasites in books such as Parasite Rex or others, you will get an idea that the parasites are in control of many more of the rules of the so called marriage than one would first imagine. After all, it seems that they have been playing the stealth game for millions of years where the rules were that they were there, but their presence was usually unknown by the host. After all it seems pretty one sided to me. They get to muck about inour bodies and change things and we do not get the same opportunity to screw around in their bodies. Most scientists acknowledge that our knowledge of parasites is very limited at this point. I find that is very strange in itself. In importance, I would think that probably should be number one for human scientists to study,... the possibly dangerous animals living inside of humans. I at least would vote for that over, say the funding and studying all of the ridiculous things that do get funded and studied. > > It would also seem logical to me that the number and type of parasites > in any given host at any given time would be dependent on the food > supply that's available for them both to survive. Now as to the > question of whether a group/type of parasite can evolve to feed on a > certain type of food and climatic condition? I must admit I don't know > if that's the case, but it is the case with most other living things. Yes, but the common observations seem to be that if there isn't sufficient food for them, they start eating the host. I am not saying this, because this is something that I do not know, but this what is said by most knowledgable sources. When it comes to the point of you or me in parasite terms, it appears to be that the host goes. But isn't this just another example of the laws of nature, the strive to survive. > > Who knows, maybe the American propensity for fast foods, laden with > chemical poisons are keeping the parasite infestation in the US very > low... Poor little buggers can't survive n a sea of Carbolic acid from > Pepsi and Hydrogenated fats from Mcfries.... LOL > And if the food doesn't get them our Fluorinated, Chlorinated, Acidic > water is sure enough to do the trick.... how about the flood of > electromagnetic radiation we Americans are all exposed to as we sit here > in front of our computers and when we use our cell phones with its > various multiplexing frequencies frying up our neurons... how about the > FM Radio station transmitters sending out all those electromagnetic > waves and blanketing our living space with a full spectrum of modulated > frequencies... enough for any bug to commit sempuku! LOL Now, you are scaring me!!!!! > > I read somewhere that if you were to count the number of cells in a > human body, the majority would not be part its own DNA but that of > parasites! We are legions... He, he, he. I have been saying how smart parasites were, but I had no idea. You type well also. > > Love and Light, > Domingo a.k.a. Father Damien Karras! kind regards, Frank > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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