728 THE ANIMAL PARASITES OF MAN 



were passed in great numbers from the urethra of an old man. The 

 patient had been catheterized on account of urethral stricture and was 

 probably infected with eggs or larvae at the same time. 



The diagnosis of the affection is easy and sure, if living larva? are 

 found in the contents of the stomach or in the stools, and if contami- 

 nation is out of the question. 



The number of different species of flies whose larvae are found in 

 myiasis intestinalis is considerable. The larvae of species of Anthomyia 

 (.4. caniculariSy 1 A. scalaris, etc.), of Sarcophaga earn aria and 

 S. magniftca and of Musca vomitoria? are especially observed. 



The prognosis is certainly generally favourable, but must be made 

 with some reserve in chronic cases, in view of the observations of 

 Schlesinger and Weichselbaum (intestinal stenosis). 



The treatment must aim at removing the larvae as soon as possible 

 from the digestive canal. 



In cases of myiasis of the stomach, a thorough washing out of the 

 stomach (Joseph, 3 Staniek 4 ) is to be preferred to emetics used with 

 success in individual instances ; perhaps it would be advisable to add 

 menthol or thymol to the mixture. 



In myiasis of the intestine internal remedies and local treatment 

 of the intestine must be considered. 



So far santonin seems to have proved to be the best remedy. 

 In some cases extract, filicis maris, calomel, semina cucurbitae, 

 naphthalene 0*1 to 0*5 (Peiper 5 ), infus. of Persian insect powder 

 (5 in 200), mineral waters, Carlsbad water, seem to have had good 

 results. 



For irrigation of the rectum, weak solutions of argentum nitricum, 

 tannin, thymol, gelatine, ol. ricini, naphthalene may be used. Wirsing 

 administered an aperient (Rurella compound liquorice powder) and 

 a soap enema after the passing of the first larvae. 



The principal thing is the prophylaxis, which must include the 

 careful protection of articles of food, on which flies may lay their 

 eggs (protection by glass dishes, tulle or fine wire nets). Fruit 

 should not be eaten before being washed or rubbed with a cloth. 



1 [This fly, common in houses, is known as Homalomyia canicularis, and the next belongs 

 to the same genus. F. V. T.] 



2 [This fly belongs to the genus Calliphora, not Musca. F. V. T.] 

 8 Joseph, Dcntscli. med. Zeitg., 1885 and 1887. 



4 Staniek, see Schlesinger and Weichselbaum, p. 47. 



8 Peiper, " Fliegenlarv. als gelegentl. Parasiten d. Menschen," Berlin, 1900. 



