How Do Hookworms Reproduce?

Adult hookworms in the intestines lay eggs that are passed out of the body through feces. Once in the environment, the eggs hatch into larvae. Larvae enter a new host's body by penetrating the skin. Preferred hosts can also be infected by swallowing hookworm larvae, such as by eating contaminated dirt.

Does hookworm reproduce sexually or asexually?

The life cycle of hookworm is rather simple (Fig 1B). The female and male parasitic adults mate inside the host, producing eggs which are passed by defecation.

How do hookworms grow and reproduce?

The female worm deposits eggs in the intestine of the host. Each egg contains a two- to eight-segmented embryo, which is then passed in the feces. Assuming the embryo reaches suitable soil, it grows and hatches in 24 to 48 hours as an immature, noninfective larva.