Which parasite is known to cause hookworm disease?

The correct answer is associated with Ancylostoma duodenale, which is one of the primary species of hookworms known to cause hookworm disease. This parasitic infection occurs when larvae, typically found in contaminated soil, penetrate the skin, usually through bare feet. Once inside the human body, the parasites migrate to the intestines, where they attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood.

Hookworm disease is characterized by symptoms such as anemia and protein deficiency, particularly due to the blood loss caused by the feeding habits of the adult worms. Ancylostoma duodenale can lead to significant health issues, especially in regions with poor sanitation and high prevalence of the infection.

The other listed options represent different parasites that do not cause hookworm disease: Enterobius vermicularis is responsible for pinworm infections, Clonorchis sinensis is a liver fluke associated with liver disease, and Strongyloides stercoralis is a threadworm that can also cause intestinal infections but is distinct from hookworms. Each of these parasites has its own specific pathogenic pathways and health implications, distinct from the effects of Ancylostoma duodenale.