The public health importance of hookworm disease

The public health significance of hookworm disease is briefly reviewed. The latest evidence confirms that blood loss caused by the worms' feeding activity in the gut is a contributing factor in the development of poor iron status leading to iron-deficiency anaemia. The World Health Organization...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inParasitology Vol. 121 Suppl; p. S39
Main Author Crompton, D W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.10.2000
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency - etiology
Anthelmintics - therapeutic use
Female
Hookworm Infections - complications
Hookworm Infections - drug therapy
Hookworm Infections - epidemiology
Humans
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic - drug therapy
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Public Health
World Health Organization
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Summary:The public health significance of hookworm disease is briefly reviewed. The latest evidence confirms that blood loss caused by the worms' feeding activity in the gut is a contributing factor in the development of poor iron status leading to iron-deficiency anaemia. The World Health Organization has identified adolescent girls and women of child-bearing age as high-risk groups regarding the impact of hookworm disease. The merits of treating pregnant women with anthelminthic drugs after the first trimester are discussed.
ISSN:0031-1820
DOI:10.1017/s0031182000006454