Uncinaria stenocephala (U. stenocephala)

Uncinaria stenocephala is a parasitic nematode commonly referred to as the northern hookworm, predominantly infecting canids such as dogs and foxes (CDC, 2020). It resides in the small intestine of its host, where it attaches to the mucosa to feed; however, it is notably less blood-sucking and generally less pathogenic than other hookworm species like Ancylostoma caninum (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023). Infections are typically acquired through the ingestion of third-stage larvae, although percutaneous infection can occur less frequently. In domestic animals, clinical signs range from mild enteritis to diarrhea and weight loss, but severe anemia is uncommon compared to other hookworm infections (ESCCAP, 2021). Humans can serve as accidental hosts, where the larvae cause cutaneous larva migrans, a condition characterized by pruritic, creeping skin eruptions (NIH, 2022). Veterinary treatment relies on several classes of anthelmintics, including benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, and tetrahydropyrimidines, which target the parasite's neuromuscular system or structural proteins (PubMed, 2021). While the organism itself is often listed as a target in veterinary pharmacology, it is technically an infectious agent containing multiple specific molecular targets rather than a single molecule or receptor.

Other names

Northern hookwormDog hookwormFox hookworm

Various anthelmintic drugs disrupt the parasite through distinct pathways: benzimidazoles inhibit beta-tubulin polymerization, tetrahydropyrimidines act as nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists causing spastic paralysis, and macrocyclic lactones potentiate glutamate-gated chloride channels causing flaccid paralysis.