Ancylostoma ceylanicum

Ancylostoma ceylanicum

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a species of hookworm that primarily infects domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but can also infect humans. It is one of the few zoonotic hookworms, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. This species is of particular interest in the field of parasitology and tropical medicine due to its public health implications.

Taxonomy

Ancylostoma ceylanicum belongs to the phylum Nematoda, class Secernentea, order Strongylida, and family Ancylostomatidae. It was first described by Looss in 1911.

Morphology

The adult worms of Ancylostoma ceylanicum are small, cylindrical, and have a characteristic hook-like appearance. The males are typically 6-8 mm in length, while females are larger, measuring 8-10 mm. The anterior end of the worm is equipped with a buccal capsule containing teeth, which it uses to attach to the host's intestinal mucosa.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Ancylostoma ceylanicum involves both free-living and parasitic stages. The eggs are passed in the feces of the host and hatch in the environment, releasing larvae. These larvae undergo several molts before becoming infective third-stage larvae (L3). The L3 larvae can penetrate the skin of a new host or be ingested, leading to infection. Once inside the host, the larvae migrate to the intestines, where they mature into adult worms and begin feeding on blood.

Epidemiology

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is commonly found in areas with poor sanitation and where humans live in close proximity to domestic animals.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations

In humans, Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection can cause cutaneous larva migrans, a condition characterized by itchy, serpiginous skin lesions. When the larvae migrate to the intestines, they can cause iron-deficiency anemia due to blood loss, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection is typically made by identifying eggs in stool samples using microscopic examination. Molecular techniques, such as PCR, can also be used to differentiate A. ceylanicum from other hookworm species.

Treatment

The treatment of choice for Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection is albendazole or mebendazole, which are effective anthelmintic drugs. Supportive care, including iron supplementation, may be necessary in cases of significant anemia.

Prevention

Preventive measures include improving sanitation, wearing protective footwear to prevent skin penetration by larvae, and regular deworming of domestic animals to reduce zoonotic transmission.

Also see

• Hookworm infection
• Ancylostoma duodenale
• Necator americanus
• Zoonosis
• Parasitic diseases