Hookworm infestation as a cause of melena and severe anaemia in farmer

• Published in: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 2017-02, Vol.67 (2), p.327-329
• Main Authors: Tariq, Marvi, Muzammil, Syeda Maria, Shaikh, Fareed Ahmed, Pal, K M Inam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0030-9982

Hookworm infections remain a major cause of morbidity in the developing world. Prevalence is highest in agricultural areas, where use of waste water for irrigation and poor hygiene increases infection rates among farmers. Infections present with gastrointestinal symptoms and chronic anaemia, and there are usually no signs of overt blood loss. The following report describes a case of melena in a middle-aged farmer, where the diagnosis of hookworm infestation was delayed due to the unusual presentation. The patient underwent multiple blood transfusions before referral to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi and was managed conservatively with mebendazole at our hospital after exclusion of other possible causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. This case highlights the importance of considering hookworm infestations as a cause of melena in the older age group, where other critical differentials such as peptic ulcer disease and occult malignancy may result in delay in initiation of treatment and a significant financial burden on the patient.