HOOKWORM Meaning and
Definition
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Hookworm is a parasitic roundworm belonging to the family Ancylostomatidae, characterized by its hooked mouthparts, which it uses to attach itself to the intestinal wall of its host. It primarily exists in warm and humid regions, especially in areas with insufficient sanitation and poor hygiene practices.
The hookworm has a slender, thread-like body that can reach up to one centimeter in length. It possesses a pair of sharp, curved teeth that enable it to latch onto the lining of the small intestine. Once attached, it feeds on the blood and tissue of its host, causing chronic intestinal bleeding, anemia, and other associated symptoms.
The transmission of hookworms commonly occurs through direct contact with contaminated soil containing worm larvae. Infection can happen when individuals walk barefoot on contaminated ground, allowing the larvae to penetrate the skin and migrate to the intestines. Another mode of transmission involves individuals ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by hookworm larvae.
Symptoms of hookworm infection may include fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Severe cases can lead to anemia, malnutrition, stunted growth in children, and impaired cognitive development. Treatment typically involves anthelmintic medications to eliminate the worms from the host's intestines.
To prevent hookworm infection, individuals should adhere to proper sanitation practices, including wearing shoes or protective footwear when walking on contaminated soil, practicing good personal hygiene, and ensuring proper disposal of human waste. Additionally, regular deworming programs, improved sanitation facilities, and access to clean water sources play a crucial role in controlling hookworm infections in endemic regions.
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A worm of the genus Ankylostoma or Uncinaria.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOOKWORM
Etymology of HOOKWORM
The word "hookworm" comes from the combination of two components: "hook" and "worm".
- The term "hook" refers to the shape of the worm's mouth, which resembles a hook. This word has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hokô", meaning "hook" or "bent thing".
- "Worm" comes from Old English as well and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wurmiz", meaning "serpent" or "dragon".
When combined, "hookworm" describes a type of parasitic worm with a hooked mouth that attaches to its host's intestinal wall.
Similar spelling words for HOOKWORM
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