F. W. O’Connor 
*249 
Trichomonas are very common among the rodents of the desert. The gerbille 
and the jerboa as well as small mice were found to be almost invariably 
infected with it. I examined over 30 of these animals where although Tricho- 
monads were not found in the hard pellet-like faeces of the rectum, they were 
generally discovered in considerable numbers in the soft contents of the 
caecum and ascending colon. In none of the rodents examined did I find 
evidence of invasion of the epithelial lining of the intestine or of even super¬ 
ficial ulceration of that tissue. 
Lamblia intestinalis . 
I have been so frequently questioned as to the importance of this parasite, 
as a cause of symptoms or disease, that it might serve some useful purpose 
if I give my opinion, which is based on the examination of a large number 
of cases. In all excepting three of the cases investigated by me the patients 
showed little or no evidence of inconvenience as the result of harbouring the 
parasite. 
In the three cases referred to the patients suffered from neurasthenia. 
They stated they experienced a sense of fulness in the abdomen above the 
umbilicus, with a frequent desire to go to stool, and periodical attacks of 
diarrhoea: occasionally a sensation of nausea was complained of, but this did 
not result in vomiting. These symptoms in a less degree were complained of 
by other patients, but the latter made light of it and maintained that it 
neither inconvenienced them considerably nor prevented them from doing 
their work. In no case, even in those who suffered from diarrhoea associated 
with the passage of the free flagellate uncomplicated by other conditions, did 
I find either tissue or blood cells or other evidence of a morbid process. The 
free forms of the parasite were generally present in a medium of mucus without 
cells. Occasionally the parasite was passed in enormous numbers and the 
amount of mucus was then considerable. When this occurs in individuals who 
are run down, by overwork or by the effects of climate, there is a tendency for 
patients first to become interested in their stools and then to become imbued 
with the idea that they are suffering from a serious disease. I have always 
been most careful to consult the clinician when I have found Lamblia in a 
case and to point out that the parasite should only be considered of importance 
when present in debilitated individuals. I think it is a mistake to put a diag¬ 
nosis of “ Lamblia intestinalis ” on the Medical History Sheets where patients 
can see it. Many patients have said to me, “I am suffering from Lamblia 
dysentery, Sir, and the Doctor says that there is no cure for it.” 
“ Entamoeba '’ nana. 
This parasite was found in 112 of the white cases, 32 of the Egyptian sick, 
14 of the Indian sick, and only 27 times amongst the healthy Egyptians (the 
small number in the last series being due no doubt to the fact that only 
single examinations were made). As in the case of the other “Entamoebae” 
