How Well Do You Know Hookworm Infection?

Explanation
Chloramphenicol is not used in treating patients infected by hookworm. Albendazole and Mebendazole are commonly used anthelmintic drugs that are effective in treating hookworm infections. Iron supplements may be given to patients with hookworm infections to help treat anemia caused by the parasite. However, Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that is not effective against hookworm infections and is not commonly used for this purpose.

Explanation
Hookworm infection is caused by parasitic worms that live in the small intestine. The worms attach themselves to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. However, headache is not typically associated with hookworm infection. Headaches are more commonly seen in other infections or conditions, so it is not a symptom of hookworm infection.

Explanation
Hookworm eggs are present in the faeces of infected persons. Hookworms are intestinal parasites that primarily live in the small intestine of humans. The adult hookworms lay eggs in the intestines, which are then passed out of the body through the faeces. These eggs can contaminate the soil and survive in favorable conditions. When a person comes into contact with contaminated soil, the hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, eventually reaching the intestines to mature into adult worms. Therefore, the presence of hookworm eggs in faeces is a key characteristic of the infection.

Explanation
The correct answer is 425 million. In 2015, statistics revealed that hookworm infection affected a population of 425 million people.

Explanation
Severe hookworm infection can cause various symptoms and complications, including anaemia, protein deficiency, and emaciation. Anaemia occurs because hookworms feed on blood, leading to a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin levels. Protein deficiency can occur due to the loss of proteins through the hookworm's feeding process. Emaciation, or extreme weight loss, can result from the parasite's nutrient consumption. However, dyspnoea, or difficulty breathing, is not typically associated with severe hookworm infection.

Explanation
Ancylostoma americanus is the correct answer because it is a species of hookworm that primarily infects humans, not cats. It is transmitted to humans through the skin, usually when walking barefoot on contaminated soil. Ancylostoma brazillense and Ancylostoma tubaeforme are hookworm species that infect cats and can be transmitted to humans. Uncinarea stenocyphala is another hookworm species that infects cats but does not commonly infect humans.

Explanation
Ancylostoma cannium is the correct answer because it is the species of hookworm that exclusively affects dogs. The other options, Ancylostoma stenocyphala, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, and Ancylostoma brazilliense, may affect other animals or have a wider range of hosts.

Explanation
Rats are not animals that can be infected with hookworm. Hookworms are parasites that primarily infect mammals, including dogs, cats, and birds. However, rats are not commonly known to be susceptible to hookworm infections.

Explanation
The correct answer is Africa. Hookworm infection is more prevalent in Africa compared to other regions. This can be attributed to various factors such as poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These conditions create an environment where hookworms can thrive and easily infect individuals. Additionally, socio-economic factors like poverty and limited education contribute to the higher frequency of hookworm infection in Africa.