BERIBERI 



341 



Perhaps an intermediale host, such as lice, is necessary 

 (Daniels). 



It may he the P. capitis as such have a tendency to clins" to one 



race. 



Amongst the suspected parasites are : — 



Various protozoa, nemathehninths, bacilH, fungi, cocci, and 

 a specific bacillus causing duodenitis, the symptoms of this 

 latter arising from the absorption of the toxin as in diph- 

 theria (Hamilton Wright). Daniels denies duodenitis and 

 thinks that perhaps a protozoan may yet be found. 



Section of myocardium from a case of sub-acute wet beriberi, hsematoxylin-eosin strain, 

 showing loss of striation, vacuolation and granular degeneration. (From article by 

 Herzog, and plate lent by the courtesy of The Philippine /ournal of Science.) 



PATHOLOGY. 



Blood taken from a beriberi patient and injected into a cat produced 

 a fall in B.P., with dilatation of the gastric vessels, also those of the 

 intestines and liver. The right heart was dilated and there was general 

 venous engorgement. 



P.M. 



There is always some oedema in acute cases. Often froth at the 

 mouth. The body is either swollen with dropsy or emaciated. 



