82 ENTOZOA FOUND IN MAN. 



Chapter VIII. 

 ANCHTLOSTOMUM DIJODENALE. 



This entozoon belongs to the class of nematoid worms. 

 It was discovered at Milan by Dubini, in 1838, but 

 it has not been observed since then in any other part 

 of Europe, although it has been frequently noticed in 

 Egypt. 



The anchylostomum only measures from about 

 one-fifth to two-fifths of an inch in length, and its 

 minute size may probably account for its not having 

 been more generally observed. Its mouth is provided 

 with a horny capsule, which is proportionately very 

 large ; at the most prominent part of the margin of 

 the mouth are situated four strong tooth-like pro- 

 cesses, by means of which the animal attaches itself 

 to the mucous membrane. 



Dubini found this parasite chiefly during the 

 months of May, November, December, and January, 

 at Milan ; in Egypt it is so common that Bilharz 

 and Griesinger met with it, sometimes only in small 

 numbers, and at other times in hundreds, in the 

 majority of the bodies which they examined. It 

 inhabits the duodenum and jejunum. 



According to Griesinger, the anchylostomum is 

 kept firmly in position by the penetration of its 

 head into the mucous membrane, and even into the 

 subjacent tissue. The spot at which the worm is 

 attached is marked by an ecchymosis as large as a 

 lentil seed, and in its centre is found a white point 

 of the size of a pin's head ; at this point the mucous 



