A Critical Review of Our Present Knowledge of the Haemoflagellates and Allied Forms

Abstract

A large number of the trypanosomes and allied flagellates are now known to be the causal agents of some of the most fatal diseases of man and of the lower animals. The study of these parasites during the past fifteen years has truly made phenomenal strides, and at the present time it holds a position of commanding interest. Novy (1907) in a recent paper aptly states the reason for this active research when he says, “It is not merely because six or seven of these diseases have been recognised in domestic animals in Asia, Africa and South America. It is not wholly due to the discovery of a human form of the disease, but rather to the fact that the mastery by man of whole regions is called into question. The successful contest with malaria and yellow fever has now given place to the fight with trypanosomiasis and upon the issue of this struggle depends to a large extent the destiny of Equatorial Africa.”