International Medical Case Reports Journal (Dec 2023)
Endoscopic Diagnosis of Hookworm Disease in a Patient with Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Case Report
Abstract
Shamil Nuri Tiremo,1,* Mulugeta Sitot Shibeshi2,* 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Mulugeta Sitot Shibeshi, Email [email protected]: Hookworm infection is an important cause of iron deficiency anemia, especially in heavily infected high-risk populations residing in underdeveloped tropical countries. Stool examination is the main method used for hookworm diagnosis; however, its sensitivity is relatively low. Hookworm infections have been incidentally diagnosed during routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. We present the case of a 60-year-old Ethiopian farmer who had severe iron deficiency anemia and positive occult blood in the stool. Repeated stool examinations revealed no ova or parasites. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed the presence of hookworms in the duodenum. The patient was treated with albendazole and ferrous sulfate. Careful endoscopic examination of the duodenum is crucial for identifying unsuspected hookworm infection responsible for chronic gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia.Keywords: hookworm, iron-deficiency anemia, endoscopy
