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Summary.
The incidence of entozoa in 100 inmates of a North Island mental hospital has been determined on the basis of the examination of a single stool from each individual. The species recorded and their incidence for the entire group are: Entamœba histolytica, 18%; Entamœba coli, 34%; Endolimax nana, 2%; Iodamœba bütschli, 4%; Giardia intestinalis, 5%; Trichomonas hominis, 3%; Chilomastix mesnili, 1%; Enterobius vermicularis, 7%; Trichuris trichiura, 27%; and the vegetable organism, Blastocystis hominis, 33%; Negative findings were recorded in 30%. Total incidence of protozoan infestations, 55%; of helminths, 30%. The incidence of entozoa generally and of the various individual species is compared with findings from studies of similar institutional populations in North America, Europe and elsewhere, and it is shown that the nature of the intestinal fauna is, in general, similar.
The group consisted of 44 individuals of faulty habits, and 56 of normal behaviour in regard to their personal hygiene. Protozoan infestations were recorded in 54.4% of the former, and 55.4% of the latter. A striking contrast was recorded for helminth infestations, the faulty group being 50% infested; and the normal group, 14.2% positive for helminths. This is interpreted as indicating that personal cleanliness is an effective factor in preventing or reducing helminth infestation, but only a secondary factor in the problem of protozoal infestations. It is suggested that there is a common agency active leading to general infestation with protozoa, and not available to helminths. It is suggested that the insect vector may provide this agency.
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Literature Cited.
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