Ankylostomiasis

An`ky*los*to*mi"a*sis, n. [NL., fr. Ankylostoma, var. of Agchylostoma, generic name of one genus of the parasitic nematodes.] (Med.)

Defn: A disease due to the presence of the parasites Agchylostoma duodenale, Uncinaria (subgenus Necator) americana, or allied nematodes, in the small intestine. When present in large numbers they produce a severe anæmia by sucking the blood from the intestinal walls. Called also miner's anæmia, tunnel disease, brickmaker's anæmia, Egyptian chlorosis.