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- Disease: Hookworm disease
- Habitat in human: Small intestine
- Diagnosis of infection: Microscopic examination of faeces to detect eggs
Morphological Features
- N. americanus is shorter and more slender than A. duodenale
- Shape – cylindrical
- Colour: Creamy white or grey or reddish brown (when blood is ingested)
- Cuticle surround the body – finely striated transversely
- Anterior end bent dorsally like a hook; Dorsal bend of the head is more acute in americanus
- Cephalic glands in anterior third of the body
- Buccal capsule is smaller than that of A. duodenale.
- Necator has a pair of cutting plates ventrally instead of teeth
Males
- Size: 7-9 x 0.3 mm; Males are smaller than females
- Posterior end expands to a copulatory bursa
Females
- Size: 9-11 mm x 0.4 mm
- Posterior end is pointed
- Body cavity is occupied by ovary and coiled uterine tubes packed with eggs
- Vulva is in the anterior third of the body
