Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
10:57
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Overt gastrointestinal bleeding because of hookworm infection
Jia-Min Chen1, Xin-Mei Zhang, Liang-Jing Wang
1Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, ZheJiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
|March 28, 2012
Summary
Hookworm infection can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, as seen in this case. Prompt treatment with Albendazole effectively resolved the bleeding caused by hookworms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hookworm infection is a prevalent cause of anemia in endemic regions.
- Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus are the most common hookworm species.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding is a potential complication of hookworm infestation.
Observation:
- A case of overt gastrointestinal bleeding due to hookworm infection is presented.
- Capsule endoscopy identified numerous hookworms in the proximal jejunum.
- Active bleeding was observed originating from the jejunum.
Findings:
- The patient presented with significant gastrointestinal bleeding attributed to hookworm infection.
- Capsule endoscopy confirmed the presence of hookworms and active bleeding in the jejunum.
- Successful treatment was achieved using Albendazole.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering hookworm infection in patients with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding in endemic areas.
- Capsule endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing hookworm-related gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Albendazole is an effective treatment for hookworm infections causing overt bleeding.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:27Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcers are erosive lesions of the gastric or duodenal lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This Gram-negative, helical bacterium has adapted to survive the stomach’s acidic environment by producing urease, which converts urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia neutralizes gastric acid in the bacterium’s immediate environment, allowing colonization of the gastric mucosa. H. pylori attaches to mucus-secreting epithelial cells, penetrates the mucus...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...