CHAPTER III. 

 DISEASES CAUSED BY H^MOSPORIDIA. 



THE hcenwsporidia are responsible for most important 

 diseases, and malaria in its three main forms is due to 

 parasites of this group. It is possible that there are more 

 than three species of malaria parasites, but three are 

 clearly to be distinguished from each other, and to under- 

 stand the clinical manifestations, the diagnosis and 

 prophylaxis of the disease, a sound knowledge of these 

 three species is required. The clinical manifestations 

 vary according to the species of parasite, but in all, 

 pyrexia, slow development of anaemia, and other toxic 

 symptoms occur, and in all the parasites are found in the 

 red corpuscles and the definitive host is a mosquito, some 

 species of Anopheline. 



The parasites, the cause of malaria, require a careful 

 and detailed study. They may be examined while still 

 living in the freshly shed blood, and certain vital func- 

 tions, such as the amoeboid movements and those of the 

 pigment in the interior of the parasites, can only be seen 

 in such preparations. Other changes take place in the 

 living parasites after the blood is shed ; these are the 

 alterations in the sexual forms or gametocytes which 

 become actively sexual. The detailed structure can be 

 best made out in stained specimens. 



For the complete study of the parasites both methods 

 of examination must be employed. The blood may be 

 obtained by pricking the tip of the finger or the lobe 

 of the ear. The latter situation is most convenient in 

 children. The skin must be clean and should be rubbed 

 over with alcohol and ether before the puncture is made. 



