Uncinariosis

Description

A disease caused by an infection with the parasitic worm Uncinaria stenocephala. This disease is characterised by pruritus at the site of larval penetration. In mild infections, this disease may be asymptomatic; in moderate to severe infections, this disease may present with cough, pharyngeal irritation during larval migration in airways, iron-deficiency anaemia, abdominal pain, nausea, arthralgia, or delayed development (mental or physical). Transmission is by direct contact with larvae from soil or sand contaminated with dog or cat faeces (by percutaneous migration of larvae). Confirmation is by identification of Uncinaria stenocephala in a faecal sample.

Exclusions from above levels

• NE83.1 – Infection arising from device, implant or graft, not elsewhere classified