This paper reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with severe anemia caused by hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides co-infections, so as to provide insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment and avoid misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis of parasitic infections. Living parasites were found by endoscopy, which were morphologically identified as hookworm and A. lumbricoides, and routine stool examinations detected hookworm and A. lumbricoides eggs. The patient was diagnosed with severe anemia caused by hookworm and A. lumbricoides co-infections by means of clinical symptoms, epidemiological history, endoscopic findings, and laboratory tests. Following blood transfusion, hemostasis, oral administration with albendazole, and symptomatic treatments, the patient showed remarkable symptomatic improvement and had a good prognosis.

Hookworm infection, while often asymptomatic, may rarely cause Löffler syndrome. We report the case of a 45-year-old female farmer who presented with a 10-year history of recurrent chest pain. Laboratory tests revealed marked eosinophilia (33.4%) and microcytic anemia. Cardiac and abdominal imaging findings were normal. Stool microscopy confirmed hookworm infection. Treatment of oral mebendazole (400 mg twice daily) for three days resulted in complete resolution of symptoms, normalization of eosinophil count, and clearance of parasites on follow-up. This case highlights hookworm infection as a potential cause of eosinophilia and chest pain in endemic regions.

The popularity of sand sports has increased significantly, driven by their recreational appeal combined with health benefits. However, because these sports are typically played barefoot in areas where dogs and cats may roam freely, the risk of human exposure to zoonotic parasites-such as the causative agents of cutaneous and visceral larva migrans (Ancylostoma caninum, A. braziliense, and Strongyloides stercoralis)-increases. This study aimed to investigate the presence of potentially zoonotic helminth larvae in the sand of public sports courts in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, a coastal region with high tourist influx. Thirty-eight courts were analyzed during the winter (August 2022) and summer (February 2023), with sand samples collected at three depths (surface, 10 cm, and 20 cm). Samples were processed using the modified Rugai method and examined via light microscopy for morphological identification of the larvae. Statistical analyses to identify environmental and seasonal factors associated with the parasites included chi-square, Fisher's exact, and generalized linear model (GLM) tests. Of the courts evaluated, 18 (47.3%) tested positive for zoonotic helminths in the winter and 19 (50.0%) in the summer. Strongyloides spp. were more frequent in the winter (13 courts; 34.2%), while Ancylostoma spp. were more frequent in the summer (15 courts; 39.5%). Across both seasons, 27 courts harbored at least one parasite, with nine testing positive during both periods. Ancylostoma spp. occurred predominantly in the surface layer during the summer, whereas Strongyloides spp. were more abundant in the shallow and deep layers during the winter. The presence of grass surrounding the courts acted as a protective factor against Ancylostoma spp. (OR = 0.25; p = 0.048), while complete shading favored Strongyloides spp. (OR = 13.71; p = 0.033). These findings highlight elevated contamination of the courts throughout the year and reinforce the need for year-round environmental sanitation measures, properly management of stray or owned dogs and cats populations, and health education to reduce the risk of infection in recreational areas.

Hookworms of the family Ancylostomatidae are intestinal parasites that infect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, contributing to malnutrition, anemia, and impaired development. Although hookworms are known to secrete immunomodulatory molecules to evade host defenses, it has been unclear whether they also exploit host hormonal signaling. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized family of hookworm peptides, which we term ancylotensins. Ancylotensins share strong sequence similarity with the chordate hormone neurotensin, a key regulator of metabolism, gut-brain communication, and intestinal function. In vitro pharmacological assays, ex vivo gut contractility studies, and cryoelectron microscopy demonstrate that ancylotensins closely replicate both the structural and functional properties of mammalian neurotensin to modulate gut function. Furthermore, ancylotensins do not share common ancestry with chordate neurotensin and likely evolved independently via convergent evolution. These findings reveal the existence of gut peptide mimicry as a mechanism by which intestinal parasites may manipulate host physiology.

Intestinal helminth infection in children remains a significant public health concern. In Lao People's Democratic Republic various water (Lao PDR), sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions were implemented. This study aims to assess the infection burden of intestinal helminths in children and adolescents and explore association with different WASH levels in Khammouane province. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 81 villages across three districts with prior WASH interventions in Khammouane province. Stool samples were collected from households members aged 5 - 17 years. Data was collected from parents/caregivers regarding demography, and potential risk factors. Intestinal helminth infections were detected using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Random effect logistic regression identified factors associated with infections. Among 512 participants, 12.5% had multiple intestinal helminth species infections. Opisthorchis viverrini was the most prevalent infection (35.4%), followed by hookworm (30.3%) and minute intestinal flukes (11.3%). District of residence, sex and wealth index measurement were significantly associated with intestinal helminth infection, e.g. O. viverrini was significantly associated with living in Boualapha (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 2.2 - 20.9) or Mahaxai district (OR = 12.8, 95%CI =4.9 - 44.1). WASH levels were not statistically significant predictors of helminth infections. Children and adolescents in Khammouane province, Lao PDR, have a high burden of intestinal helminth infection, particularly O. viverrini and hookworm. Socio-demographics factors (district, sex and wealth measurement) were the most important predictors of helminth infections. Comprehensive control programs, including species-specific strategies such as safe food handling and proper cooking, are essential to reduce infection risk in this vulnerable population.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) accounts for two-thirds of all anemias worldwide, affecting around 1.2 billion people globally. For the diagnosis of iron deficiency, a bone marrow aspiration sample study is considered the gold standard. Individuals with IDA may experience fatigue, weakness, poor productivity, tachycardia, dyspnea, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, skin pallor, cheilosis and koilonychia. The most common causes of IDA are deficiency of iron (caused by low iron intake, impaired iron absorption, increased iron requirements or chronic blood loss), helicobacter infection and hookworm infection. Complications associated with IDA include cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disorders, stunting, thyroid problems, bariatric surgery, GI tract malignancy, and psychiatric/psychological disorders. Four major strategies for prevention and/or management of IDA include dietary diversification, iron supplementation, biofortification and food fortification. There is a dire need to devise cost-effective contextual interventions to effectively address the problem of IDA at a global level.

Hookworms are zoonotic helminths that cause intestinal diseases in pets and humans, as well as cutaneous larva migrans in the latter; therefore, they are of importance to animal and public health. Stray and domestic dogs play a significant role in the transmission of hookworm disease. This study examines the prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. infections in dogs in Ecuador through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Although based exclusively on canine data, the findings are discussed in the context of available evidence on zoonotic transmission and potential One Health implications. A total of 370 records were screened, of which 9 studies published between 2010 and 2025 met the PRISMA 2020 inclusion criteria. Using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, the pooled prevalence was estimated at 32% (95% CI: 17-49%), with substantial heterogeneity across studies (I[2] = 98.3%). Regional analysis revealed significantly higher prevalence in the Insular region (50%) and the Coastal region (43%), compared to the Sierra (Andean region) (12%). These findings indicate marked spatial variability in canine Ancylostoma infections across Ecuador, likely reflecting underlying environmental, epidemiological, and methodological differences. While this study does not directly assess human or environmental data, the observed patterns are consistent with epidemiological conditions that may favor zoonotic transmission. Overall, this study highlights the need for integrated approaches consistent with a One Health perspective, including improved surveillance, veterinary interventions, and further research incorporating human and environmental components to better understand the epidemiology and potential zoonotic implications of hookworm infections.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income regions, including the humid and lagoon areas in Côte d'Ivoire, where sanitation facilities are limited at the community level. Few studies have investigated the relationship between environmental (soil and water) contamination by STH eggs and their infection prevalence in humans and animals in endemic areas. We assume that assessing soil contamination with STH eggs could provide a rapid and cost-effective indicator for identifying high-risk communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2024 in three villages (Attehou, Bekpou and Tiagba) selected based on previous epidemiological data. A total of 215 and 58 stool samples, respectively, from school-aged children and animals (pigs, goats and sheep), in addition to 86 soil samples and 41 stagnant water samples, were collected. Human stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz method, and animal stool samples using the McMaster flotation technique. Soil samples were analysed using an optimised flotation method with different solutions, and water samples using a sedimentation-concentration technique. Proportions were compared using Fisher's exact test. STH eggs were detected in all matrices investigated, with an overall prevalence of 44.6%, 24.1%, 25.5% and 2.43%, respectively, in children, animals, soil and water. Only Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm eggs were identified. The highest prevalence was observed in Tiagba among children (83.67%) and soil samples (33.33%). NaCl solution provided better egg recovery from soil samples (> 50%, p = 0.02). Higher soil egg counts were observed in the same villages where higher egg counts were found in children, particularly in Attehou and Tiagba. The abundance of STH eggs in the environment was associated with that observed in school-aged children. Our findings suggest that egg density in contaminated soil could serve as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to human stool examination for identifying high-risk communities, particularly in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, assessing soil contamination could help guide integrated control strategies and epidemiological surveillance approaches aiming to reach eliminating STH infections.

This study aimed to assess soil contamination with Ancylostoma spp. eggs in public parks and playgrounds in Hue City. A total of 240 soil samples were collected from 60 public parks and playgrounds located in two urban zones (central urban and peri-urban areas) during both the rainy and dry seasons. Ancylostoma spp. eggs were detected at 48 of 60 sampling sites (80%). The proportion of contaminated sites was significantly higher in central urban areas compared with peri-urban areas and during the rainy season compared with the dry season. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between sampling locations within individual parks, including areas near garbage bins and playground areas. Most positive sites showed low contamination intensity, with 1-4 eggs per 200 g of soil. Conventional PCR confirmed the presence of Ancylostoma caninum DNA in positive soil samples, indicating that dogs are the primary source of environmental contamination. These findings provide baseline data on soil-transmitted hookworm contamination in Hue City and highlight the need for improved dog faeces management, ecological sanitation, and public health education to reduce the risk of community exposure.