Iron Deficiency Anemia in A 56-Year-Old Woman with a Differential Diagnosis of Ancylostomiasis

Abstract

Ancylostoma duodenale hookworm infection through chronic intestinal blood loss. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman, a farmer with a history of recurrent anemia, who presented with weakness and heartburn. Blood tests revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia with an initial hemoglobin level of 3.6 g/dL, which increased to 9.6 g/dL after receiving a 5-pack PRBC transfusion. Her occupational history and habit of not always wearing shoes support the suspicion of ancylostomiasis, although stool examination could not be performed. The patient was managed with transfusions, supportive therapy, hypertension control, and a single dose of albendazole. This case emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention of helminth infections to reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia in endemic areas.