Ancylostoma braziliense

Ancylostoma braziliense is a species of hookworm that typically infects dogs and cats, but can sometimes infect humans. Hookworms are parasitic nematodes that live in the small intestine and cause hookworm disease.12

The life cycle involves eggs passed in feces, which hatch in soil to form infective larvae. These larvae can penetrate human skin, usually on the feet, and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, then to the mouth and small intestine where they mature. Symptoms can include skin irritation ("ground itch"), coughing, fever, and anemia due to blood loss from the worms feeding in the intestine. Heavy infestations can lead to fatigue, stunted growth, and other systemic issues. Prevention focuses on sanitary disposal of human excreta and avoiding contact with contaminated soil.12