Question

Hookworm causes
A. Anaemia
B. Anal itching
C. Genital itching
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hookworm is an intestinal parasite. It causes infection in both children and adults. The infection is rarely fatal. It is caused by walking barefoot in warm climates where sanitation is poor.

Complete Answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the cause, symptoms and effect of the hookworm infection.
Hook worm is an intestinal parasite. The infection occurs mainly in the warm climate due to walking barefoot. Itching may occur at the site of infection. Mainly two types of infection occurs in humans-ancylostomiasis and necatoriasis. Hookworm eggs are deposited in the stool of the infected people. These infected stool hatch into larvae when exposed to the environment. This larva penetrates into the skin.

Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss and tiredness is found associated with the disease. It mainly affects children and can cause both physical and mental development of children. Anaemia is also a major risk associated with hookworm infections.

Diagnosis: The infection is diagnosed by examining stool samples under a microscope.

Prevention: The infection can be prevented by not walking barefoot in the infection prone areas. It can also be prevented by stopping open defecation, mass deworming.

Treatment: Medications like albendazole are to be administered on hookworm infection. Iron supplements are necessary in case of anaemia.
Anal and genital itching is caused by fungal infection like Candida albicans.

Thus the correct answer is (A). Hookworm causes anaemia.

Note: Anaemia is the decrease in the red blood cell count or haemoglobin in the blood. It decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This leads to feeling tired, shortness of breath etc. It is treated by taking iron supplements.