What does ankylostomiasis mean?
Ankylostomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by hookworms, most notably Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. The worms enter the body when larvae penetrate exposed skin, often through the feet, and then develop in the small intestine. Their presence can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, protein loss, and iron-deficiency anemia, especially in children and people with poor nutrition. Although the term is used internationally, it appears mainly in medical, public-health, and parasitological writing; “hookworm disease” is the more accessible expression for general audiences. The word is worth knowing because it names an infection that can be prevented through sanitation, footwear, health education, and appropriate deworming treatment. It is also commonly associated with the alternative spelling “ancylostomiasis,” which can cause confusion in medical references and records.
nounA parasitic disease caused by hookworms, especially Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, which attach to the small intestine. It can produce abdominal discomfort, protein loss, and iron-deficiency anemia.
- Infestation of the intestine with parasitic hookworms, especially Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, causing gastrointestinal symptoms and sometimes severe iron-deficiency anemia.
"The clinic confirmed ankylostomiasis in the patient and began treatment with an anthelmintic medicine."
"Mass deworming helped reduce ankylostomiasis among children in the affected village."
"A travel clinic advised the traveler about preventing ankylostomiasis through footwear, sanitation, and appropriate medication."
Ankylostomiasis is ordinarily used as a mass noun; the plural form is uncommon, and separate cases or forms of the disease are usually described individually.
"Ancylostomias have been reported in several endemic regions."
Hookworm larvae can penetrate bare skin, so a simple pair of shoes can interrupt an infection before it reaches the intestine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ankylostomiasis come from?
The name combines Greek ankylos, meaning “curved,” with stoma, meaning “mouth,” and the suffix -iasis, denoting a diseased condition. These elements refer to the hooklike mouthparts of the worms and the illness they cause. The related taxonomic name Ancylostoma, along with the alternative spelling ancylostomiasis, follows the same Greek foundation.
How ankylostomiasis is actually used
This is primarily a formal medical and parasitological term. In general writing, “hookworm disease” or “hookworm infection” is more readily understood. The condition is especially associated with tropical and subtropical regions where sanitation is inadequate.
Easily confused with ankylostomiasis
Ancylostomiasis is an alternative spelling of ankylostomiasis and refers to the same hookworm disease rather than a different condition.