[Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria, 23 (N.S.), Pt. I., 1910.] 



Art. IV. — Notes on a Protozoan Parasite found in the 

 Mucous Membrane of the Ahomasiim of a Slteep. 



By professor J. A. GILRUTH, 

 D.V.Sc. M.E.C.V.S., F.E.S.E. 



(With Plate III.). 



[Read 3rd March, 1910]. 



The parasite was encountered during an investigation into 

 the cause of a disease of the Braxy group affecting Tasmanian 

 sheep, for which I have in a report to the Minister for Agri- 

 culture in that State suggested the name " Mahgnant Transuda- 

 tion." This parasite, however, appeared to have no pathogenic 

 significance. It was encountered in sections of a portion of 

 stomach wall, showing necrosis and ulceration, but in the com- 

 paratively healthy area. 



To the naked eye, no evidence of its presence can be de- 

 tected, at first sight, in the sections. Although situated 

 in the mucosa, it does not cause any discernible elevation. It 

 was, therefore, encountered purely by accident, and unfortu- 

 nately only three sections out of a large number mounted show 

 its presence. 



Description. — A minute cyst, composed of a very delicate, 

 faintly-laminated cyst wall, enclosing groups of sporozoites. 



Tlie cyst is somewhat oval, the long diameter being in the 

 direction of the gastric glands. It measures 0.5 mm. by U.3 

 mm. Tlie contents consist of masses of small sporozoites 

 arranged radially around a minute portion of residual proto- 

 plasm. Each sporozoite is about -i to G microns long and 0.5 

 microns broad. Distinctly spindle shaped, with exti'emities 

 tapering to a fine point, each is provided with a central oval 

 nucleus. They are readily stained by the ordinary stains. 

 Flagella cannot be definitely distinguislied, although here and 

 there certain sporozoites appear to be flagellated. 



