Epidemiology of hookworm infection in Itagua, Paraguay: a cross sectional study

A cross-sectional study in Itagua, Paraguay tested 192 people for the prese nce, intensity and species of hookworm infection. Fifty-nine percent of the se individuals were found to be infected. Intensity of infection was determ ined on 92% of infected individuals by quantitative egg counts. The high in tensity hookworm infections, which cause the greatest morbidity, were clust ered between the ages of five and 14 years. No differences were seen betwee n genders. The species of hookworm was determined for parasites reared from 72% of infected individuals. Both Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duode nale were identified, although the former species predominated. We conclude that hookworm infection continues to be a public health problem in Paragua y, particularly among children and adolescents who suffer from high intensi ty infections. A. duodenale continues to persist in the Western Hemisphere and has not been completely displaced by N. americanus.