B76: Hookworm diseases
Hookworm diseases are a group of conditions caused by infestation with hookworms, which are small, parasitic worms. These diseases are typically contracted when individuals walk barefoot on soil contaminated with hookworm larvae. These larvae can penetrate the skin, and then travel through blood to the lungs before ultimately residing in the small intestine where they mature. Once mature, these parasites attach to the intestinal wall and feed on the host's blood, resulting in anaemia. Common symptoms typically include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and in severe cases, developmental delays in children due to malnutrition. The progression of the disease can vary depending on the individual's overall health and the severity of infestation. These diseases predominantly affect the circulatory and gastrointestinal systems.
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