INFANTILE HOOKWORM INFECTION: CLINICAL CASE REPORT

Abstract

Hookworms are endemic nematodes from tropical regions. Infection is more common in preschool and school children, but it is less frequent in infants under 6 months, because of the transmission mechanism that implies contact between contaminated soil and skin. The clinical disease is characterized by manifestations related to iron-deficiency anemia, secondary to a chronic digestive blood loss. An unusual way of presentation is the massive digestive bleeding that causes severe anemia. Case report: A four month shuar girl with no significant medical history, referred from General Puyo hospital, presented upper digestive bleeding of 3 months duration. At month of age, the girl presented self-limited melenas and skin pallor that worsen two weeks before the admission. The girl was hypo active, with a pale complexion, and had edema of feet. Her blood count showed hemoglobin 2.8 g/dl, hematocrit 9%, mean corpuscular volume 73 fl, red cell distribution width 18%, reticulocyte count 1%, eosinophils 4%. Coprological analysis reported tarry stools, positive fecal occult blood test, and hookworm eggs determined by Kato – Katz as a moderate infection. It was diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia secondary to an upper digestive bleeding caused by hookworms. The infection was treated with a single oral dose of albendazole 400mg plus blood transfusion. After 5 days of treatment, hemoglobin increased and edema was reduced. Melenas disappeared completely. Finally the discharge was indicated for outdoor control. Conclusion: Hookworm infestation is an endemic disease whose presence and impact in infants has been underestimated because it is not necessary as a cause of digestive bleeding. This disease should be considered in contexts of endemic areas in children who meet a clinical profile similar to that described.