Hookworms infect over 1 billion people worldwide, with Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus being the two species that commonly infect humans. The lifecycle of both species involves eggs being passed in feces and hatching into larvae, which can survive for weeks outside the host. The larvae penetrate human skin and travel to the lungs and intestines, where they mature into adults that attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, potentially causing anemia and other symptoms. While infections are often asymptomatic, heavy infections can stunt growth in children. Diagnosis is via stool sample and treatment involves anthelmintic drugs.