114 TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 



Post-mortem examination shows a considerable enlarge- 

 ment of the spleen and acute parenchymatons degenera- 

 tion of other abdominal organs. There is no ulceration 

 of the intestine. By many the disease is believed to be 

 typhus. 



The term " human piroplasmosis " has sometimes been 

 applied in India to cases of kala-azar, but it will be seen 

 that this disease is due to a parasite of a different nature. 



Piroplasmata have also been described in the blood of 

 a cowherd suffering from fever during the presence of 

 Texas fever amongst cattle in India. This observation 

 also lacks confirmation. 



Bodies resembling piroplasmata, but easily distinguish- 

 able upon careful examination, have been described by 

 Cropper working yi Palestine, and by Smith working in 

 America, as occurring in the blood of persons suffering 

 from severe forms of malaria. The bodies have a rota- 

 tory but no amoeboid movement ; their nature is unknown. 

 They do not stain with basic stains. The edges, probably 

 the edges of the haemoglobin, are sometimes stained 

 irregularly. Similar bodies have been found by Nuttall in 

 the blood of dogs. They are probably not parasites. 



