364 
Dientamoeba fragilis 
NOTES ON INFECTED CASES. 
Since we believe that this is the first description which has been 
given of the organism which we call Dientamoeba fragilis, we will record 
briefly the histories, so far as they are available and have any present 
interest, of the infected cases which we have studied. We are indebted 
to Major J. B. Stephens, E.A.M.C., for information concerning cases 
D. 2, D. 3, and D. 4; and to Captain E. C. Lowe, N.Z.M.C., for particrdars 
relating to cases D. 5, D. 6, and D. 7. To Captain Lowe we are also 
indebted for permission to publish the results of the bacteriological 
examinations which he made of the faeces of these patients. We have 
likewise to thank Dr H. S. Gettings for the results of his bacteriological 
examinations of the stools of cases D. 2, D. 3, and D. 7. 
Case D. 1. Native of British Isles, who has never been abroad. Has 
never suffered from dysentery, chronic diarrhoea, or other intestinal 
complaint. Stools protozoologically examined by us repeatedly in 1916 
and 1917. Dientamoeba first detected in January, 1917, when the case 
was suffering from a slight attack of diarrhoea attributed to a chill. 
Since then Dientamoeba has been especially sought at every examination, 
and has been found in the stools 19 times in 42 examinations. Case also 
infected with Giardia (= Lamblia) intestinalis but with no other intestinal 
protozoa. 
Case D. 2.—British soldier who contracted dysentery in Salonika, 
1916. Returned to England convalescent, and was discharged from 
hospital to dysentery depot as bacteriologically and protozoologically 
negative. Whilst at the depot the case was examined thrice by ixs, 
Dientamoeba being found on the last two occasions. Bacteriological 
examination of all three specimens negative. As patient had completely 
recovered clinically, he then returned to duty. No other jxrotozoa were 
found in his stools. 
Case D. 3.— British soldier, with history similar in all respects noted 
to case D. 2, but examined by us only twice. Dientamoeba found in 
stools only once, and no other protozoa on either occasion. 
Case D. 4.—British soldier, who went to France in 1915. No illness 
in France. Went from France to Salonika, January, 1916. Entered 
hospital at Salonika in July, 1916, suffering from malaria and diarrhoea. 
Invalided to Malta, and thence to England, where he entered hospital 
as a case of malaria. During his stay in hospital has had three or four 
recurrent attacks of diarrhoea. Examined in England by us on 12 occa¬ 
sions, Dientamoeba being present in stools seven times. No other 
