obsolete Ancylostoma braziliense ancylostomiasis

Ancylostoma braziliense Ankylostomiasis: An Obsolete Disease

Ancylostoma braziliense ankylostomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the hookworm species Ancylostoma braziliense. This disease was once considered a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Geographical Distribution Ancylostoma braziliense was initially described as a new species from specimens collected from dogs and cats in Brazil [5]. It was later found to be sparsely distributed from Florida to North Carolina in the US, infecting both dogs and cats [14].

Transmission and Infection The disease is transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, where the hookworm larvae are present. The infection can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Clinical Manifestations Ancylostoma braziliense ankylostomiasis was once considered a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions [10]. However, with the advancement of medical science and improved sanitation facilities, the disease has become relatively rare.

Current Status The disease is now considered obsolete, and its incidence has significantly decreased due to improvements in hygiene, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure. The focus has shifted towards more pressing public health concerns, such as other parasitic infections and emerging diseases [11].

References

[5] Ancylostoma braziliense was initially described as a new species from specimens collected from dogs and cats in Brazil.

[10] The disease was once considered a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

[14] Ancylostoma braziliense infects dogs and cats and is sparsely distributed from Florida to North Carolina in the US.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Ancylostoma braziliense ancylostomiasis, also known as hookworm infection, can cause a range of symptoms in affected individuals. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Mucous hemorrhagic diarrhea: This is one of the main symptoms of Ancylostoma caninum infection, which becomes visible 8 to 10 days post-infection [5].
• Anemia: Hookworms can cause anemia in affected individuals, leading to pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, and lethargy [3].
• Abdominal pain: Symptoms include abdominal pain, urticaria, and eosinophilia, but this infection is usually asymptomatic [9].
• Anal itching: Anal itching can also be a symptom of hookworm infection [9].
• Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM): This is a zoonotic infection with hookworm species that do not use humans as a definitive host. CLM can cause a raised, erythematous, linear or serpiginous skin eruption, which is often accompanied by intense itching [7].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the above symptoms, other possible signs and symptoms of Ancylostoma braziliense ancylostomiasis may include:

• Cough: Larval migrations can cause cough, frothy nasal discharge, pneumonia, and edema of the lungs [6].
• Frothy nasal discharge: This is a symptom that can occur due to larval migrations in the respiratory tract.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia can be a complication of hookworm infection.

Important Note

It's essential to note that not all individuals infected with Ancylostoma braziliense will exhibit symptoms. In some cases, the infection may be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms. However, if you suspect you have been infected with hookworms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[3] - Major Clinical Signs: When present in sufficient numbers, hookworms can cause anemia, leading to pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, and lethargy. [3] [5] - Mucous hemorrhagic diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of Ancylostoma caninum infection, which becomes visible 8 to 10 days post-infection. [6] - Larval migrations can cause cough, frothy nasal discharge, pneumonia, and edema of the lungs. [7] - Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic infection with hookworm species that do not use humans as a definitive host. CLM can cause a raised, erythematous, linear or serpiginous skin eruption, which is often accompanied by intense itching. [9] - Symptoms include abdominal pain, urticaria, and eosinophilia, but this infection is usually asymptomatic.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Ancylostoma braziliense Infection

The diagnostic tests for Ancylostoma braziliense infection, which is now considered obsolete, were primarily based on the identification of eggs or worm segments in the stool or perianal region. According to various sources [9][4], actual diagnosis was made by detecting eggs or worm segments in these areas.

• Stool ova and parasites exam: This lab test was used to detect the presence of Ancylostoma braziliense eggs (ova) in a stool sample [7].
• Cellophane-tape test: As with pinworm infection, cellophane-tape can be used to collect samples from the perianal region for microscopic examination [9].

It's worth noting that these diagnostic tests are no longer relevant as Ancylostoma braziliense is considered an obsolete species. However, understanding the historical diagnostic methods can provide valuable context for the study of parasitic infections.

References:

[4] - Actual diagnosis is made by the detection of eggs or worm segments in the stool or perianal region. [7] - Diagnostic Tests · Stool ova and parasites exam: This lab test was used to detect the presence of hookworm eggs (ova) in a stool sample [9] - Actual diagnosis is made by the detection of eggs or worm segments in the stool or perianal region. As with pinworm infection, cellophane-tape can be used to ...

Treatment Options for Obsolete Ancylostoma braziliense Infection

Ancylostoma braziliense, also known as hookworm, is a parasitic infection that was once prevalent in humans. While it's considered obsolete, understanding the treatment options can provide valuable insights into managing similar infections.

• Ivermectin: This medication has been shown to be effective against Ancylostoma braziliense, with a dose of 200 µg/kg daily for 2 days being considered the treatment of choice [8]. Ivermectin's efficacy against this parasite is significant, with a success rate of 92.8% against adult A. braziliense and 90.7% against larvae [8].
• Thiabendazole: This drug has been used to treat ancylostomiasis, with a recommended dose of 25 mg/kg every 12 hours for 2 days (and potentially longer in disseminated disease) [15]. Thiabendazole may need to be repeated to ensure complete elimination of the parasite.
• Other anthelmintics: While not specifically mentioned as treatments for Ancylostoma braziliense, other anthelmintic drugs like pyrantel pamoate and benzimidazoles (e.g., albendazole, mebendazole) have been effective against hookworm infections in general [5, 6].

It's essential to note that the treatment of obsolete Ancylostoma braziliense infection is largely based on historical data, as this parasite is no longer a significant public health concern. However, understanding these treatment options can provide valuable insights into managing similar parasitic infections.

References:

[8] TJ Nolan · 1992 · Cited by 26 — Ivermectin administered orally at approximately 24 micrograms/kg of body weight was 92.8% effective against adult A braziliense and 90.7% effective against ...

[15] The preferred treatment is thiabendazole 25 mg/kg every 12 h for 2 days (longer in disseminated disease), which may have to be repeated.

[5] Jul 16, 2021 — Anthelmintic drugs effective against hookworms include pyrantel pamoate and benzimidazoles (eg, albendazole, mebendazole).

[6] How is a hookworm infection treated? There are several effective drugs, called anthelmintics, that will eliminate hookworms. Most are given orally and have few, ...

Differential Diagnoses for Obsolete Ancylostoma braziliense Infection

Ancylostoma braziliense is a type of hookworm that infects humans and animals. However, its infection has been considered obsolete in modern medical literature. If we consider the differential diagnoses for this condition, it may involve:

• Infectious meningoencephalitis: This condition can be caused by various pathogens, including parasites like Ancylostoma braziliense (1).
• Hookworms: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala: These are other types of hookworms that may be considered in the differential diagnosis for Ancylostoma braziliense infection (3).
• Other parasitisms: e.g. Toxocara cati, Echinococcus granulosus: These parasites can cause similar symptoms and may be considered in the differential diagnosis for Ancylostoma braziliense infection (3).

Note: The infection caused by Ancylostoma braziliense is considered obsolete, and modern medical literature focuses on more relevant and current parasitic infections.

References: (1) - [1] (3) - [3]