Ancylostoma

The genus Ancylostoma comprises parasitic hookworms that infect the intestines of humans, dogs, and cats. These nematodes are a primary cause of hookworm disease, a parasitic infestation often associated with anemia.12

The life cycle involves eggs passed in feces, which hatch in soil to form infective larvae. These larvae penetrate human skin, typically on the feet, then travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, are swallowed, and mature in the small intestine. Symptoms can range from skin irritation ("ground itch") to severe anemia, fatigue, and developmental issues in heavy infestations. Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus are the main species affecting humans, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Treatment involves anthelmintic drugs and improved sanitation to prevent reinfection.213