Uncinaria stenocephala

Uncinaria stenocephala is a hookworm in the family Ancylostomatidae and the genus Ancylostoma. It is the most common hookworm in the intestines of dogs from northern, central and southern Europe. Infestation causes anemia, emaciation, and often bloody diarrhea in dogs. Bronchopneumonia and itchy skin lesions may also occur. Uncinaria stenocephala is also pathogenic to humans, although humans are false hosts.

In this respect, although they can penetrate the skin of humans, they do not succeed in haematogenously spreading to infect internal organs. In this respect, there is only a local infection with the appearance of a larva migrans cutanea syndrome.

Infection occurs via the skin when walking barefoot on soil contaminated with dog faeces.

1. Chu S et al (2013) Hookworm dermatitis due to Uncinaria stenocephala in a dog from Saskatchewan. Can Vet J 54:743-747.
2. Postigo I et al. (2006) Uncinaria stenocephala: assessment of antigens for the immunodiagnosis of canine uncinariosis. Exp Parasitol 114:215-219.
3. Smith BL et al (1969) Canine pedal dermatitis due to percutaneous Uncinaria stenocephala infection. N Z Vet J 17:235-239.