| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Hookworm |
| Treatment: |
The objective of treatment is to cure the infestation, to treat complications of anemia, and to improve nutrition. Parasite-killing medications such as mebendazole or albendazole are usually prescribed. Ivermectin, used for other worm infections, is not effective for hookworm. Symptoms and complications of anemia are treated as they arise. There is often a recommendation made to increase the amount of protein in the diet to improve nutrition. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Complete recovery occurs if treatment is given before serious complications develop. The infection is easily eradicated with treatment. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hookworm infection develop. |
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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