1. Culture & Hookworms
The Relationship of Human Culture and Necator Americanus and Anclystoma Duodenale
Ian Moreau

2. Biology Recap Enters through skin Migrates through lungs
Develops in intestine
Eggs passed through feces
Larvae live in soil

3. Historical Accounts
A. Duodenale has been known in England and Belgium since the first century
N. Americanus found in Brazil and Texas, but originated in the Old World
Arthur Looss discovered skin entry method in 1896
First hookworm to have life cycle explained

4. Cultural Practices
Usually found in poorer areas of Africa, South America and South-east Asia
Use of night soil in Asia
Lack of sanitation and skin protection two main factors in transmission

5. Geographical Distributions
Ancylstoma Duodenale
Necator Americanus

6. Infrastructure Problems
Migration from rural to urban settings
Human manufacture of developmental areas
Monoculture of coffee plants
Improper mine sanitation

7. Response To the Parasite
Several treatments include:
Albendazole: oral, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Mebendazole: oral, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Pyrantel Pamoate: oral, few side effects
Better Sanitation
Combat use of night soil

8. References
Tanner, S.N. A POPULATION IN TRANSITION: HEALTH, CULTURE CHANGE, AND INTESTINAL PARASITISM AMONG THE TSIMANE’ OF LOWLAND BOLIVIA. University of Michigan: Department of Anthropology, 2005.

9. Questions?
“Through man, by promiscuous defecation, ignorance, malnutrition and overcrowding, hookworm disease still maintains a place in pathology."
De Leon and Maldonado