Diploscapter coronataas a facultative parasite of man, with a general review of vertebrate parasitism by rhabditoid worms

Abstract

A report is made of nine cases in whichDiploscapter coronatawas found, in great abundance and in all stages of development, in human stomachs containing little or no hydrochloric acid. A critical review is given of the literature of parasitism of vertebrates by rhabditid worms, and it is concluded that these worms may establish themselves and multiply in diseased female urino-genital systems as well as in hypohydrochloric stomachs, and may live as larvae in the skin, particularly when this is mangy, or multiply on the surface of the skin, but that the evidence of establishment in the intestine or respiratory system of mammals is still inadequate.