Hookworm infection in postmenopausal women, the new “vulnerable” group: A case series

Abstract

Hookworm as a cause of anemia in the postmenopausal women has been often neglected and only evaluated for when all other causes have been excluded. Here, we report a series of four cases of severe anemia needing blood transfusions due to hookworm infection in postmenopausal women who presented at a tertiary care hospital in Northeast India. These cases highlight the problem of hookworm infection in this age group who are otherwise not regarded as vulnerable group and not prioritized in national deworming program. There is a need to recognize hookworm as the cause of anemia for the early diagnosis of infection and prevention of severe consequence.