Parasitology

• Disease: Hookworm disease
• Habitat in human: Small intestine
• Diagnosis of infection: Microscopic examination of faeces to detect eggs

Morphological Features

• Shape – Cylindrical
• Colour: Creamy white or grey or reddish brown (when blood is ingested)
• Cuticle surround body – finely striated transversely
• Anterior end bent dorsally like a hook
• Cephalic glands in anterior third of the body
• Buccal capsule is large and heavily sclerotized; Has two pairs of teeth on ventral side

Males

• Size: 8-11 x 0.5 mm; Males are smaller than females
• Posterior end expands to a copulatory bursa

Females

• Size: 10-13 mm x 0.6 mm
• Posterior end is pointed
• Body cavity is occupied by ovary and coiled uterine tubes packed with eggs
• Vulva is in the posterior third of the body