PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TILT C.O. 885
Fig. 1. Magn. 750.
بر
Surra Trypanosomes as observed in horses in Mauritius; with nucleus, centrosome, undulating membrane, free flagellum, on the opposite side of
the Centrosome.
2
2
2
41
the milky juice may be observed swarming with trypanosomes, while none are to be seen in subsequent sections. This, however, is not always so. die off rapidly in a few hours under the cover-glass, I have met with very mobile Whilst the parasites ones in the extremity of a stem 10 hours after its severance from the plant.
The parasite-bearing plant may lose its leaves, be of indifferent growth, and appear to have suffered in its development, although this species (Jean Robert) is extremely rustic, as is remarkably well illustrated in the accompanying photograph. By the side of plants in full vegetation with large bushy leaves are to be found two other skeleton-like, miserable specimens. The first ones are free from parasites; the others contain innumerable ones; but this is not always the case, as I have come across some hardy specimens which contained a large number of parasites without having lost much of their vigour.
However this may be, there would appear to be here, at times a regular flagellosis of this plant similar to human and animal spirillosis. In a few cases the parasite is found in company with numerous bacilli.
We have been able to notice the presence of the parasite during three weeks upon diseased plants or parasite-infected ones which had been kept in a glass of water, as shown in the photograph.
Our trypanosome has, by comparison, been found absent in the juice or milky fluid of 35 other specimens belonging to the genus Euphorbia or allied families.
In the learned treatise of Laveran and Mesnil: "Trypanosomes et Trypano- somiases," the life history of flagellates is carefully reviewed up to the year 1904. The English translation brought up to date and much enlarged by Nabarro proceeds with their enumeration until 1907 as met with in animals.
From this latter period to the end of April, 1909, no review has yet, to our knowledge, referred to the existence of flagellates in the juice of plants. Our discovery of these herpetomonas-like forms or trypanosomes in the lactescent sap of two plants of the Euphorbiacea family in Mauritius opens up a new field to investigators.
It is, therefore, important that these new facts be communicated early to the scientific world, as it is already possible to advance this bold hypothesis: "That possibly may be found in the juice of plant the immense reservoir of the lowest and nocuous organisms, the fountain head of which has hitherto escaped us."
We have further observed that several species of insects, principally several varieties of plant lice with powerful proboscis, thrived preferably upon the plants in question whether parasitically affected or not. It is possible, therefore, that the disease may be transmitted by the agency of these insects.
A. LAFONT, Director, Bacteriological Laboratory.
P.S.-Herewith a plate and a photograph.
31496
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ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
F
Fig. Magn.
l'Herpetomonas-like forms or "Trypanosoma Davidi "with their nucleus, centrosome, & free Flagellum situated one side of the Centrosome. 2° Divisional forms (represented by No 2)
3° No 3 represents probably encysted forms of the parasite.
NORTHERN NIGERIA.
THE ACTING GOVERNOR to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received September 22, 1909.)
(No. 505.)
MY LORD,
Government House, Zungeru, 21st August, 1909. WITH reference to your Lordship's cablegram of the 12th instant, I learn with deep regret that Mr. D. H. Lang has been found to be infected with trypano- somiasis.
2. I have the honour to report that, in accordance with the instructions con- veyed in your cablegram, a medical officer has been detailed to carry out investi- gations in the districts in which Mr. Lang served during August last. Instruc- tions by telegram have been issued to all medical officers to warn all Europeans to take necessary precautions.
ŠIL AT 200M, 163
£ que
Weller & Graham, L Litho, London
16996
• No. 14.