Definition
noun
A parasitic worm of humans and other animals and is regarded as the New World hookworm
Supplement
Necator americanus is a species of hookworm that infests humans as well as other animals such as cats and dogs. However, humans are its most common definitive host. The species is referred to as the New World hookworm of humans. Similar to other hookworms such as Ancylostoma duodenale, the species belongs to phylum Nematoda. Both Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus attach to the intestinal wall of their host and suck blood. Thus, their presence in the intestines causes diarrhea, anorexia, and iron-deficiency anaemia. They are also similar in morphology although Necator americanus is smaller than Ancylostoma duodenale. Necator americanus has two cutting plates in the buccal capsule. It also has a more defined hook shape than Ancylostoma duodenale.1 The infestation with Necator americanus is referred to as necatoriasis. It is commonly found in moist tropics and subtropics such as in Africa, India, Asia, China, and Central America.
Scientific classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Nematoda
- Class: Secernentea
- Order: Strongylida
- Family: Ancylostomatidae
- Genus: Necator
- Species: N. americanus
Other common name(s):
See also:
- Necator (zoology)
- necatoriasis
- helminth
- nematode
- hookworm
Reference(s):
1 Ancylostoma/Necator. Retrieved from ://parasite.org.au/para-site/text/ancylostoma-necator-text.html.
