Page:Tropical Diseases.djvu/224

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192
TRYPANOSOMIASIS
[CHAP.

effusions in pleura and peritoneum are common, and there may be evidences of meningo-encephalitis with infiltration about the vessels.

Prophylaxis.—— This should be directed principally to the suppression of the insect concerned—— Lamus megistus (Plate III.). It is a large black insect belonging to the family Reduviidæ, with numerous symmetrically arranged red markings; it is well known to the natives, who call it " barbeiro." The nymphs bite and can convey the infection, but the adults, having wings, are more dangerous. During the day time they live in the grass walls and roofs of the dirty native houses, coming out after dark in search of their food—— blood. Their habits indicate better and cleanlier housing, sleeping off the ground, and protection by mosquito-netting.

Treatment.—— We know of no specific remedy. Arsenicals and antimony have failed in experimental animals. Treatment, therefore, must be on general lines.

OTHER FORMS OF TRYPANOSOMIASIS IN MAN

Seeing that most of the trypanosomes hitherto studied experimentally are capable of living in a variety of vertebrate hosts, it seems probable that other members of this group of parasites, in addition to T. gambiense, T. rhodesiense, and T. cruzi, may find in man at times a suitable host. Apparently T. lewisi, T. evansi, and T. brucei do not generally thrive in man, but that circumstance does not warrant the inference that he is completely immune against these and all other species.

CERTAIN OP THE COMMONER TRYPANOSOMES OP MAMMALS

As the subject of trypanosomiasis in man is one of great and growing importance in tropical pathology, it is desirable that the student should have some practical acquaintance with the appearance and diagnosis of this type of parasite before he is called upon to deal with it in actual practice. I have thought it advisable, therefore, to give a short