Dictionary > Ancylostoma

Ancylostoma

Definition
noun
A genus belonging to the family of Ancylostomatidae which is a family of nematodes that includes the hookworms
Supplement
Anyclostoma is a genus that belongs to the family of Anyclostomatidae. Anyclostomatidae is a family of nematodes that includes the medically-important hookworms. Hookworms are parasitic. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall of the host via their buccal cavity. They feed on the blood of the host. The site of entry is an exposed skin of the host, typically the feet. The larvae bore through the skin and make their way to the lungs through the bloodstream. From the lungs, they make their way into the intestines where they will develop into adult hookworms.
The hookworm infestation may be asymptomatic and therefore individuals harboring these worms may act as carriers. Nevertheless, the most common health risk associated with hookworm infestation is anemia. Ancylostoma species have two (e.g. A. duodenale, A. braziliense, and A. ceylanicum) or three (e.g. A. caninum and A. tubaeforme) sets of sharp teeth in their buccal cavity.
Some of the well-known species are as follows:

  • Ancylostoma duodenale (commonly infests humans)
  • Ancylostoma braziliense (commonly infests cats)
  • Ancylostoma caninum (commonly infests dogs)
  • Ancylostoma ceylanicum
  • Ancylostoma pluridentatum
  • Ancylostoma tubaeforme

Scientific classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Nematoda
  • Class: Secernentea
  • Order: Strongylida
  • Family: Ancylostomatidae
  • Genus: Ancylostoma
  • See also:

    Related term:

  • Ancylostoma dermatitis


  • You will also like...

    Human Reproduction
    Human Reproduction

    Humans are capable of only one mode of reproduction, i.e. sexual reproduction. Haploid sex cells (gametes) are produced ..

    Schematic diagram of bacterial lactose operon
    Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis

    Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..

    ..

    Still Water Animals
    Still Water Animals

    Animals living in aquatic habitats have diversified and evolved through time. They eventually occupy ecological niches a..

    primitive arthropods
    Arthropods

    The arthropods were assumed to be the first taxon of species to possess jointed limbs and exoskeleton, exhibit more adva..

    Schematic diagram of DNA replication
    DNA Structure & DNA Replication

    DNA is a double helix structure comprised of nucleotides. A nucleotide, in turn, is made up of phosphate molecule, deoxy..

    Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
    New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History

    Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics