Intravenous injection of arsenophenylglycin, in doses of about 1.0 gram. (15 gr.) intravenously has been highly recommended. Recent reports from German East Africa state that of 35 treated with this drug six died of the effects of the drug. Salvarsan and neosalvarsan have been used but apparently without particular success.
A combination of treatments in which salvarsan, sodium salicylate and ethyl-hydrocuprein (a quinine derivative) have been used has been favorably reported by Morganroth where the action of a single drug was of little value.
Very remarkable claims in experimental animals have been made for “trixidin,” a preparation of antimony trioxide which is given intramuscularly. Even inunctions with this preparation have been quite successful in curing infected mice. In larger animals abscess formation is an objection.
Daniels has reported good results from the injection of oxide of antimony. The preparation used is Martindale’s injectio antimonii oxidi given subcutaneously in 30 minim doses (1/20 grain of the oxide). Masters gives this preparation intramuscularly and notes its greater efficiency than any other drug or combination of drugs. He gives 3/100 grain every other day until 40/100 grain has been given. If trypanosomes continue present he gives a .77 gram dose of soamin. Soamin is a drug similar to atoxyl but said to be less toxic.
In the treatment of 18 cases of T. rhodesiense infections Newham notes that tartar emetic alone was as effective as the combined treatment with atoxyl. He gave the tartar emetic injections twice weekly intravenously commencing with 1 grain and going up to 3 grains. An organic antimony preparation, “Stibenyl,” has been recommended. See kala-azar.
Very favorable reports have been made from the use of galyl and ludyl, arsenical compounds.
A drug which is reported to have exceptional trypanocidal effect on animals infected with both human trypanosomes is “Bayer 205.” Dogs infected with the dourine parasite and showing oedema and eye symptoms have been cured by the injection of the drug intravenously. A dose of 0.5 mg. causes disappearance of parasites in mice. It is stated that the drug produces a protection against reinfection which lasts for months.
BRAZILIAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS
General Considerations.—In 1909, Chagas reported the finding of a flagellate in the intestines of Conorhinus megistus or, more properly, Lamus megistus. He was also able to transmit the flagellate to laboratory animals and could culture it on blood agar.
