Ancylostoma duodenale is a worm that belongs to the phylum Nematoda (round worms). They are widely distributed around the world, specifically in the so-called underdeveloped countries where sanitary conditions favor their prevalence.
It was adequately described by the Italian doctor Angelo Dubini in 1843. It is considered the causal agent of a disease known as Hookworm, which affects humans, generating symptoms mainly in the digestive system.
Ancylostoma duodenale larva. Source: DPDx Image Library
Hookworm disease is quite common in tropical areas. If it is not treated, it can have serious consequences derived from anemia caused by parasites that feed on the host's blood.
characteristics
Ancylostoma duodenale is a multicellular eukaryotic organism. This means that they have their genetic material enclosed in an organelle called the cell nucleus, which is delimited by the nuclear membrane. That genetic material (DNA) is packaged in such a way that it makes up chromosomes.
It is a multicellular organism because it is made up of tissues, which are made up of different types of cells that perform various functions, such as contraction, nutrition and reproduction.
Likewise, this belongs to the group of animals that are triblastic, since during their embryonic development they present the three germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The cells that make up these three layers undergo a differentiation process to transform into the various tissues that will make up the adult animal.
Like all nematodes, Ancylostoma duodenale is a deuterostomized animal, which means that when it is developing, from a structure called blastopore, the anus is formed and the mouth is formed secondarily elsewhere.
In addition, this parasite is pseudocoelomed, since they have an internal cavity known as a pseudocoelom that does not originate from the mesoderm.
These parasites reproduce sexually, they are oviparous, because they reproduce through eggs and present an indirect development, since they must go through several larval stages until they become adults.
They are hematophagous parasites, because in order to survive they need to be inside a host, feeding on their blood. They are also pathogenic agents because they are considered to be the cause of a disease called hookworm.
Taxonomy
The taxonomic classification of Ancylostoma duodenale is as follows:
-Domain: Eukarya
-Animalia Kingdom
-Filo: Nematoda
-Class: Secernentea
-Order: Strongiloidae
-Family: Ancylostomatidae
-Gender: Ancylostoma
-Species: Ancylostoma duodenale.
Morphology
Treatment
Hookworm disease is a disease in which treatment must be approached from different sides, in order to eradicate both the infection and its consequences.
As you might expect, the first thing your doctor does is prescribe an anthelmintic medication. The most commonly prescribed drug is albendazole. If this is not prescribed, they may be prescribed mebendazole. Both have the function of eliminating adult parasites and their larvae, through different mechanisms.
Likewise, it is possible that the doctor also prescribes some iron supplements, in order to correct the underlying anemia in the clinical picture. You can also make some dietary recommendations in which the amount of protein the person eats is increased.
References
- Brusca, RC & Brusca, GJ, (2005). Invertebrates, 2nd edition. McGraw-Hill-Interamericana, Madrid
- Curtis, H., Barnes, S., Schneck, A. and Massarini, A. (2008). Biology. Editorial Médica Panamericana. 7th edition.
- Escobedo, A. (2015). Ancylostoma and Necator. Chapter of the book: Medical Microbiology and Parasitology. 1st edition. Editorial Medical Sciences.
- Hickman, CP, Roberts, LS, Larson, A., Ober, WC, & Garrison, C. (2001). Integrated principles of zoology (Vol. 15). McGraw-Hill.
- Hotez, P., Bethony, J., Bottazzi, M. and Brooker, S. (2005). Hookworm: The great infection of mankind. Plos Medicine 2 (3)
- Nair, G., Cazorla, E., Choque, H., Clinton, A and Cabada, M. (2016). Massive Ancylostoma duodenale infection as a cause of intestinal bleeding and severe anemia. Journal of Gastroenterology of Peru. 36 (1).