A. brumpti 95 



with the result that two members of this family (father and child) 

 suffered from the same effects as did the previous family. On searching 

 the apartment reflexus were discovered, and, following a thorough 

 disinfection of the premises the trouble ceased. It appears clearly 

 demonstrated by this interesting case that reflexus may transmit 

 pyogenic bacteria to healthy persons when they have previously had 

 access to the skin of a person suffering from furunculosis. 



ARGAS BRUMPTI. 



Effects of Bite : Dr Brumpt communicated the following particulars 

 to Professor Neumann (1907, p. 229) and to us : 



The bite is somewhat more painful than that of 0. moubata ; it may 

 wake the sleeper and causes pruritus, lasting several days. The puncture 

 bleeds slightly and becomes covered by a small crust of dried blood 

 beneath which a small drop of extravasated blood gathers. Within 

 about 2 hours the puncture becomes surrounded by a violet-coloured 

 circular ecchymosis 6 — 8 cm. in diameter resembling the mark follow- 

 ing a leech -bite. The mark goes through the gradations of colour 

 usual in ecchymoses, or bruises, and disappears in 6 — 8 days ; but the 

 centre remains indurated for a long time. Of 17 bites which were 

 inflicted on Dr Brumpt in July 1901, five still exhibited an indurated 

 centre in April 1908 (Letter to G. H. F. N.). He states that the small 

 subcutaneous nodules may be felt on palpation and seem to be dis- 

 appearing with the exception of one in the umbilical region, this nodule 

 measuring 7 mm. in diameter. From time to time he still suffers from 

 pruritus at the seat of these bites ; one bite was inflicted on the neck, 

 and this place is particularly subject to pruritus, owing, apparently, to 

 the friction with the collar. All traces of the other 12 bites have 

 disappeared. 



Habitat: Dr Brumpt (9. v. 1908) informs us that he found 

 A. brumpti in dusty sheltered hollowed out places beneath over- 

 hanging calcareous rocks, into which opened porcupine {Hystrix sp.) 

 burrows. The ledges of rock were situated along the rocky bed of a 

 torrent, and the floor of the hollows, which were about 5 ft. deep, 

 consisted of fine dust about 15 cm. in depth, numerous bones of small 

 mammalia lying upon it. After A. brumpti had fed it promptly buried 

 itself in the dust. The ticks wander about at night and Dr Brumpt 

 was unable to catch any during the daytime. 



