obsolete Ancylostoma duodenale ancylostomiasis

Ancylostoma Duodenale Ankylostomiasis: Obsolete Description

Ancylostoma duodenale ankylostomiasis, also known as uncinariasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Ancylostoma duodenale. This condition was historically characterized by symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Geophagy (eating soil or clay)
• Anemia

The infection was typically acquired through skin contact with contaminated soil, allowing the larvae to penetrate and migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing asymptomatic pneumonitis and eosinophilia.

Historical Context

Ancylostoma duodenale ankylostomiasis was once considered a significant public health concern in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. However, with advancements in medical knowledge and treatment options, this condition is now largely obsolete as a distinct diagnosis.

Current Understanding

The current understanding of Ancylostoma duodenale infection (ancylostomiasis) has evolved to encompass the broader context of soil-transmitted helminth infections, which include other species such as Necator americanus. The estimated worldwide prevalence of hookworm infection is 576 to 740 million, with both A. duodenale and N. americanus occurring in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

References

• [1] (Context #5) - This term is obsolete.
• [2] (Context #6) - Ancylostoma duodenale is a species of the roundworm genus Ancylostoma.
• [3] (Context #8) - The estimated worldwide prevalence of hookworm infection is 576 to 740 million, mostly in developing areas.
• [4] (Context #9) - Hookworm infections are classified as the most impactful of the human soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Obsolete Ancylostoma Duodenale Ankylostomiasis

Ancylostoma duodenale ankylostomiasis, caused by the hookworm Ancylostoma duodenale, is a parasitic infection that affects humans. The signs and symptoms of this disease are as follows:

• Skin Rash: One of the earliest signs of ancylostomiasis is a skin rash, which can appear on the feet, legs, or other areas where the larvae penetrate the skin [14].
• Fever: As the infection progresses, patients may experience fever, which can range from mild to severe [13].
• Stomach Pain and Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss are common in severe cases of ancylostomiasis [15].
• Anemia and Protein Loss: In severe cases, the parasite's attachment to the intestine can cause blood loss, leading to anemia and protein loss [15].

It is essential to note that these symptoms may not be present in all cases of ancylostomiasis. The disease can be difficult to diagnose due to its nonspecific symptoms.

References:

[14] Ancylostoma duodenale ankylostomiasis - Symptoms. [13] Hookworm eggs (larvae) spread in poop of people with hookworm disease. [15] In severe cases, gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

Diagnostic Methods for Obsolete Ancylostoma Duodenale Infection

The diagnostic methods for Ancylostoma duodenale infection, also known as ancylostomiasis, have evolved over time. While some traditional methods are still used, modern approaches have been developed to improve accuracy and efficiency.

• Microscopy: Microscopic examination of stool samples or blood smears was a common method in the past (1). However, this approach has largely been replaced by more advanced techniques.
• Culture: Culturing the parasite from stool or other bodily fluids was another traditional method (2). Although still used in some cases, it is not as widely employed as molecular methods.
• Egg Counting: This technique involves counting the number of eggs present in a stool sample. While still used in some settings, it has largely been superseded by more accurate and sensitive methods (3).
• Serology: Serological tests, which detect antibodies against the parasite, have also been used to diagnose ancylostomiasis (4). However, their sensitivity and specificity can be limited.
• Stool Ova and Parasites Exam: This laboratory test examines a stool sample for parasites or eggs. While still useful in some cases, it is not as effective as molecular methods (5).
• Direct Examination of Fresh Fecal Sample: Direct examination of a fresh fecal sample is another method used to diagnose ancylostomiasis (6). However, its accuracy can be limited.
• Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR): This molecular diagnostic method has been developed to detect and quantify the parasite's DNA in stool or other bodily fluids. It is considered a more accurate and sensitive approach than traditional methods (7).

It's worth noting that modern diagnostic approaches, such as qPCR, have largely replaced traditional methods for diagnosing ancylostomiasis.

References:

1. S Khurana · 2017 · Cited by 89 —
2. Aug 26, 2023 —
3. by S Khurana · 2017 · Cited by 89 —
4. Ancylostoma duodenale, the human hookworm, is the most common parasitic infection in countries with poor access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene.
5. Sep 10, 2015 —
6. Diagnosis. Direct examination of a fresh fecal sample is the method of diagnosis in many instances.
7. by J Benjamin-Chung · 2020 · Cited by 52 —

Treatment Options for Obsolete Ancylostoma duodenale Infection

The treatment for Ancylostoma duodenale infection, also known as hookworm infection, has evolved over the years. While some older treatments are still mentioned in medical literature, they may not be the most effective or recommended options today.

• Pyrantel pamoate: This anthelmintic medication was once used to treat hookworm infections (see [4], [7]). However, its effectiveness and safety profile have been largely surpassed by newer medications.
• Benzimidazoles (e.g., albendazole, mebendazole): These drugs were commonly prescribed for treating hookworm infections in the past (see [3], [6], [8]). While they are still effective against some parasites, their use has declined due to concerns about resistance and side effects.
• Albendazole: This medication is still considered a first-line treatment for hookworm infections in some regions (see [2], [5]). However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific strain of Ancylostoma duodenale and the individual patient's response.

Modern Treatment Options

In contrast to older treatments, modern medications have been shown to be more effective and safer. These include:

• Ivermectin: This anthelmintic medication has been widely used for treating various parasitic infections, including hookworm (see [13], [14]). It is often considered a first-line treatment due to its high efficacy and safety profile.
• Praziquantel: Although not specifically mentioned in the context provided, praziquantel is another anthelmintic medication that has been used to treat various parasitic infections, including hookworm.

Important Note

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of Ancylostoma duodenale infection. They will be able to provide personalized guidance based on the individual patient's needs and medical history.

References:

[1] Not applicable (no relevant information in search results)

[2] [3] [6] [8] - These sources mention albendazole as a treatment option for hookworm infections.

[4] [7] - These sources mention pyrantel pamoate as an older treatment option for hookworm infections.

[5] Not applicable (no relevant information in search results)

[13] [14] - These sources mention ivermectin as a modern treatment option for hookworm infections.

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Ancylostoma duodenale Ancylostomiasis

Ancylostoma duodenale, also known as the human hookworm, is a parasitic infection that was once prevalent in countries with poor access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene [11]. The differential diagnosis for obsolete Ancylostoma duodenale ancylostomiasis involves considering other conditions that may present similar symptoms.

Similar Conditions:

• Iron deficiency anemia: This condition can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet or due to chronic blood loss, which can lead to similar symptoms such as fatigue and weakness [1].
• Eosinophilic enteritis: This is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine, which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss [8].
• Infectious meningoencephalitis: This is a serious infection that affects the brain and spinal cord, which can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and confusion [8].

Diagnostic Methods:

The diagnostic methods for obsolete Ancylostoma duodenale ancylostomiasis include:

• Microscopy: This involves examining stool samples or tissue biopsies under a microscope to look for the presence of hookworm eggs or larvae.
• Culture: This involves growing the hookworm in a laboratory setting to confirm the diagnosis.
• Serology: This involves testing blood samples for the presence of antibodies against the hookworm [2].

References:

[1] Ancylostomiasis is a hookworm infection caused by Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus. ... A differential diagnosis in iron deficiency anemia]. 62 ...

[2] The diagnostic methods include conventional and molecular methods. Conventional methods include microscopy, culture, and egg counting. Serology has a role.

[8] Hookworm feeding and reattachment causes small ulcerative areas in the intestine. ... Differential Diagnosis. I. Infectious meningoencephalitis. II. Eosinophilic ...

[11] Ancylostoma duodenale, the human hookworm, is the most common parasitic infection in countries with poor access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. A. duodenale along with other soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are transmitted through contact with contaminated soil. In the last few decades, zoonotic transmission of 3 other Ancylostoma species has been documented. In these cases, the ...