Dogs are a wonderful part of a pet owner's life, however, there are certain risks associated with pet ownership. One is zoonotic diseases caused by passing a particular parasite from dogs to humans. Hookworms can cause a condition known as larva migrans syndromes where the hookworm infects a human, sometimes with devastating results.
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Significance
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Hookworms are carried in the intestines of infected dogs where they live off the dog's blood. In dogs, hookworms can cause anemia and can be fatal if the infestation is great enough. In humans, hookworms can cause eruptive lesions and may migrate further into the gastrointestinal system and cause a form of eosinophilic enteritis or may cause visceral larva migrans. In visceral larva migrans, the person may have abdominal pain, fever, cough, hives and wheezing.
Infection Vectors
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Dogs can become infected by hookworms in various ways. The first way is that the puppies may be infected through their mother's milk. Another way is through ingestion of fecal matter or something that has been in contaminated soil. Lastly, a dog may contract hookworms directly through penetration of its skin by the larvae.
Humans may contract hookworms through eating contaminated soil (pica), through improper hygiene (failing to wash hands after touching dirt or contaminated objects) or failure to wash food that was grown in contaminated soil. Humans can also contract hookworms directly through penetration of their skin by hookworm larvae.
Types
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There are four types of hookworms: A. caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, A. braziliense, and A. tubaeforme. A. caninum is the hookworm that affects primarily dogs. A. braziliense is seen in cats and A. tubaeforme is seen in both dogs and cats. Uncinaria stenocephala is seen in dogs, but primarily in foxes.
Geography
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Hookworm infections largely depend on warmer climates. A. caninum is primarily a tropical and sub-tropical parasite. Uncinaria stenocephala is a northern canine hookworm found in the northern states and Canada, but is mainly in foxes and occasionally in cats. A braziliense is found from North Carolina to Florida. A. tubaeforme is found along with A. caninum but is less prevalent.
Prevention/Solution
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Have your veterinarian check your dog for worms at least once a year (twice is better) and dewormed regularly as required. Clean up all feces regularly to avoid contamination of the soil. Teach your children good hygiene habits, which includes hand washing after playing with pets, before eating, and after playing outside or in the dirt. Do not allow children to play in sandboxes and do not allow young children to eat dirt.
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