Speciation of Intestinal Hookworm among the Bangladeshi and the Indian Male Workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Human hookworm infections occur worldwide and are caused by Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Their clinical aspects, complications, and treatments depend on the species of the hookworm that had caused the infection. This study was conducted to determine for the first time the hookworm species that infect the Bangladeshi and the Indian workers in Jeddah. A total of 210 stool samples were included in this study. The microscopic examinations using direct and concentration techniques were used in the detection of the eggs of the hookworms. Fecal culture was used to obtain filariform infective larvae for species differentiation. This study revealed that the Necator americanus is the dominant hookworm species that was present among the investigated workers. The distribution of the parasites among the workers has no significant association with their age groups. The sizes of the Ancylostoma duodenale filariform larvae were found to be slightly longer than those of the Necator americanus. Based on the data of the workers, they had contracted the infection while they were in their home countries. Further thorough investigations about the infection should be undertaken using advanced molecular techniques. As a consequence of the hookworm infection, there is a need to set up or strengthen public health programs about soil-transmitted parasites, like hookworms, in Saudi Arabia.