What is the infective stage of the hookworm?

The infective stage of the hookworm is the filiform larva, specifically the third-stage larva (L3). During its lifecycle, hookworms, such as Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, go through several stages, including eggs that hatch into rhabditiform larvae before developing into infective filiform larvae.

These filiform larvae are capable of penetrating the human skin, which is necessary for the hookworm to establish an infection. Once they enter the host, they mature into adult worms in the intestines, where they can then cause clinical disease. Understanding this lifecycle is crucial for diagnosing and managing hookworm infections effectively, as the larvae are the form that interacts with the host and initiates the infection.