Hakormer er parasittiske orm som lever i tynntarmen og lever av vertens blod. De finnes ofte i områder med dårlig sanitærforhold og kan forårsake anemi, proteintap, magesmerter, diaré og tretthet. Infeksjon skjer vanligvis gjennom hudkontakt med jord som er forurenset med hakormlarver.
Hookworm infections may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and significant anemia due to blood loss where worms attach to the intestine. In children, severe infections can impair growth and cognitive development.
Hookworms are a global health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions with inadequate sanitation. They affect hundreds of millions of people, making them among the most common parasitic infections worldwide.
They predominate in warm, moist climates where sanitation is poor, especially where human feces are used as fertilizer or where defecation occurs outdoors, increasing soil contamination.
Effective treatment includes antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, which kill the worms. Iron supplements may also be necessary to address anemia. In endemic areas, wearing shoes can prevent skin contact with contaminated soil, reducing infection risks.
Prevention strategies focus on improving sanitation, using proper toilets, and wearing protective footwear when walking on soil. Regular deworming in endemic areas helps reduce community infection rates. Education on personal hygiene and sanitation can also significantly lower the risk of hookworm transmission.