ANCILOSTOMÍASE: A. duodenales e N. americanus | PARASITOLOGIA #16

Summary

This video discusses ancylostomiasis, commonly known as hookworm disease. It explains its transmission cycle, symptoms, and impact on the human body. The disease is caused by the Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus worms, often affecting individuals in rural areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms include skin irritation, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal disturbances, and anemia. Diagnosis can be made clinically or through fecal examination. Treatment options include mebendazole and albendazole, with a focus on prevention through proper sanitation, education, and the use of footwear. The video highlights the importance of addressing poverty-related diseases and promotes public health measures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hooking introduction: The video discusses 'ancylostomiasis', also known as hookworm infection, which is associated with poverty.
• 😀 Cultural reference: A famous character in Brazilian literature, 'Jeca Tatu', is used to illustrate the effects of ancilostomiasis, as he is often mistaken for lazy but is actually affected by the disease.
• 😀 Main cause: The disease is caused by hookworms, mainly *Ancylostoma duodenale* and *Necator americanus*, which thrive in tropical and coastal regions.
• 😀 Geographic distribution: *Necator americanus* is predominant in tropical regions, while *Ancylostoma duodenale* is more common in colder areas.
• 😀 Risk factors: The disease mainly affects individuals in rural areas with poor sanitation, who tend to walk barefoot.
• 😀 Cycle of infection: The disease spreads when infected individuals defecate and release hookworm eggs into the soil, which then develop into larvae that infect humans through skin contact.
• 😀 Migration process: The larvae travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, then move to the trachea and intestines, where they mature and reproduce.
• 😀 Symptoms: Initial infection causes itching at the site of larval entry. Later stages can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and throat inflammation, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• 😀 Complications: Hookworms feed on blood, which can lead to anemia, malnutrition, and other health problems due to blood loss.
• 😀 Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis is often based on symptoms, medical history, and stool tests to detect hookworm eggs. Treatment typically involves medication like mebendazole or albendazole, with a follow-up exam to confirm cure.
• 😀 Prevention: Prevention includes improving sanitation, wearing shoes, and educating the population on hygiene practices to reduce exposure to hookworm larvae.

Q & A

What is Ancylostomiasis, and how is it commonly referred to?

Ancylostomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by hookworms, specifically *Ancylostoma duodenale* and *Necator americanus*. It is commonly referred to as 'amarelão' (yellow disease) in Brazil.

What is the link between Ancylostomiasis and the character Jeca Tatu in Monteiro Lobato's work?

Jeca Tatu, a character in Monteiro Lobato's work, is depicted as lazy and tired, often seen sitting by the river. This character is used to represent the symptoms of Ancylostomiasis, as he suffers from the disease, which causes fatigue and weakness.

Where does Ancylostomiasis occur most frequently in the world?

Ancylostomiasis predominantly occurs in coastal and tropical regions, while *Ancylostoma duodenale* is more common in colder regions, where it can remain dormant.

Which populations are most at risk for Ancylostomiasis in Brazil?

People in rural areas of Brazil, particularly those without basic sanitation, who often walk barefoot, are at higher risk of contracting Ancylostomiasis.

What is the lifecycle of the Ancylostomiasis parasite?

The lifecycle begins when a contaminated person defecates, releasing eggs into the soil. Under ideal conditions, the eggs hatch into larvae, which can infect humans through skin contact. The larvae travel through the lymphatic system, bloodstream, lungs, and throat before reaching the intestines, where they mature and reproduce.

What are the key symptoms of Ancylostomiasis in humans?

Symptoms of Ancylostomiasis include skin irritation and itching at the site of larval penetration, coughing, throat inflammation, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, anemia due to blood loss.

How does Ancylostomiasis cause anemia in affected individuals?

The adult hookworms feed on the host's blood by attaching to the intestinal wall with their mouthparts, causing blood loss. This can lead to anemia or hypoproteinemia (low protein levels in the blood).

What is the diagnostic method for Ancylostomiasis?

Diagnosis can be made through clinical symptoms and a thorough patient history. A stool test can confirm the presence of hookworm eggs, which is a definitive diagnostic method.

What are the primary treatments for Ancylostomiasis?

The main treatments are Mebendazole (100mg) and Albendazole. These medications are taken as a single dose. However, Mebendazole should not be used in pregnant women.

How can Ancylostomiasis be prevented?

Prevention includes improving sanitation, such as proper waste disposal, educating people about handwashing, and encouraging the use of shoes to prevent larval penetration of the skin.