Ancylostomiasis, or hookworm infection, is an important global public health problem caused by parasitic hookworms that infect humans. It is transmitted when larvae penetrate the skin and enter the body, usually through walking barefoot on contaminated soil. In Libya, hookworm infection is very rare, with most cases found in farmers who come into contact with infected feces in soil. The hookworms live in the intestine and feed on blood, potentially causing iron deficiency anemia and related health issues if left untreated. Prevention relies on sanitary disposal of human waste and health education to avoid transmission.

1. Ancylostomiasis
Dr Paul T Francis, MD
Community Medicine
College of Medicine, Zawia

2. Mouth of an
Hookworm
Hooks in
the mouth

3. Mouth of a
Hookworm

4. Ancylostomiasis
 Is an important public health problem in the
world
 It is a very rare disease in Libya

5. Epidemiological features
 Reservoir – Man
 Infective material – feces containing ova
 Source of infection – soil containing larvae
 Occupation – common in farmers

7. Hookworms
in the
intestine

8. Mouth of a Hookworm

9. Epidemiological factors
 Mode of transmission – larvae enter the body
by penetrating the skin
 Human habits – open air defecation, walking
bare feet (without shoes/sandal), using
untreated sewage for irrigation leads to
spread of disease

10. Hookworm
larvae
under the
skin

11. Public health importance
 Hookworm lives in the intestine of humans
and drink blood
 It leads to Iron deficiency anemia
 Iron deficiency anemia leads to poor health,
inability to work, increased risk to infection,
low birth weight etc.

12. Prevention and control
 Primary prevention
 Sanitary disposal of excreta
 Health education
 Proper treatment of sewage before using for
irrigation
 Secondary prevention
 Early diagnosis and treatment