356 DISEASES OF UNCERTAIN ^ETIOLOGY 



But 



The thrush fungus, Alonilia albicans, is a terminal though un- 

 common infection in other chronic wasting diseases as phthisis, cancer, 

 diabetes, &c. 



Gastro-intestinal infections have been reported in the temperate 

 zone. 



PATHOLOGY. 



One finds desquamation of the mucosas of the gastro-intestinal tract 

 with atrophic changes of mucosa, glands, pancreas and liver. 



There is fatty degeneration of the tongue; inclusive elements in the 

 epithelial cells is a well-known feature. There may be large structure- 

 less cells, keratohyalin or other cells containing granular agglomera- 

 tions, cell degenerations or inclusions. 



The gastro-intestinal tract shows submucous congestion, conges- 

 tion, thrombosis, exudation of haemoglobin, round-celled infiltration 

 and necrosis of the mucosa. Digestion and absorption of food is 

 hindered, but the absorption of poisons facilitated. The toxins damage 

 the liver and a toxaemia results. The liver is congested and enlarged, 

 or more often atrophied and small, the result of hyper-activity and early 

 exhaustion, which accounts for the early bilious stools and later the 

 pale frothy motions. 



On opening the intestines — 



The upper third contains normal faeces of a yellow colour due to 

 bilirubin. 



The middle third contains white or grey faeces due to alteration of 

 bile pigments into chromogens. 



The lower third contains green faeces (Vaughan Harlev). 



The blood picture in the last stages of severe cases may resemble 

 that of pernicious anaemia. Chromatin granules are commonly seen 

 enclosed in red cells. 



P.M. 



Body emaciated, wasting of all organs, absence of fat. Skin hangs 

 in loose folds, oedema of ankles. Tongue shows patches of infiltration 

 in the connective tissue, vesicles, small ulcers, filiform papilh-e 

 atrophied and fungiform papillae swollen. Pillars of fauces and tonsils 

 show sub-epithelial inflammation, suppuration and ulceration. 



(Esophagus inflamed, mucous membrane attenuated in patches. 



Stomach : mucous membrane pale, atrophied, rough and cirrhotic. 



Small intestine : mucous membrane somewhat eroded. Large 

 intestine tilcerated. 



Peritoneum thickened, chronically inflamed. 



