Globally, over 600 million people are infected with the skin-penetrating threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation infrastructure.

Canine hookworms are becoming an increasing threat to pets and people, researchers say, after finding that the parasites have developed widespread drug resistance in both North America and Australia.

"In dogs, hookworm infections primarily affect the small intestine, leading to anemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. "But worse still, the parasites can spread to humans through the skin.