Brumpt has recently advocated the xenodiagnostic method. Thus, in a number of guinea pigs infected with S. cruzi, parasites could not be found, but by having third stage larvae of Conorhinus feed on these animals the parasites developed in the bugs. He regards the alimentary tract of these bugs as a most favorable culture medium.
Prophylaxis and Treatment.—Other than destroying the bugs by sulphur fumigation or whitewashing there is little to note. The bugs show a liking for leather articles, as old harness.
The same plan of treatment as for African trypanosomiasis may be tried but such treatment is not effective with infected animals.
In the myxoedema types thyroid extract is indicated.
Note: Escomel has reported the finding of a trypanosome 20 to 40 microns by 3 to 4 microns which had a flagellum as long as the body and with a very small but distinct blepharoplast (unlike S. cruzi) in the blood of a native of Peru. The patient at the time of the blood examination was afebrile and showed a generalized firm oedema. There was noted anaemia, prostration and somnolence. This may be a new species.
TRYPANOSOMIASES OF ANIMALS
Trypanosoma brucei.—This trypanosome causes a surely fatal disease in horses and one from which few cattle recover. It is called “nagana” or the fly disease, from being transmitted by the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans. All animals except man and possibly the goat seem susceptible. The disease is characterized by fever, oedematous areas about neck, abdomen and extremities, progressive anaemia and emaciation. It is an important disease of domesticated animals of many parts of Africa.
Trypanosoma evansi.—This is the cause of a very fatal disease of horses in India and the Orient and known as “surra.” It also affects camels and even cattle. It is thought to be transmitted by biting flies (Stomoxys). The symptoms are fever, emaciation, oedematous areas and great muscular weakness.
Trypanosoma equinum.—This trypanosome causes a fatal disease in horses in South America. There is paralysis of the hind quarters of the horse which gives the disease the name “mal de caderas.”