Heart Failure Caused by Hookworm Infection Possibly Associated with Organic Food Consumption

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An 87-year-old man with heart failure caused by severe anemia was referred to our hospital. Gastroenteroscopy revealed the existence of several parasites in the duodenum. Examination of the stool by a formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique detected hookworm eggs. After a single dose of pyrantel pamoate, his symptoms including dyspnea on exertion and edema diminished. And also hemoglobin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) had improved dramatically. Hookworm infection is an extremely rare cause of heart failure, and furthermore this parasitic infection is not common in advanced countries. We suggest the possible relationship between parasite infection and organic foods.