Page:Tropical Diseases.djvu/852

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
796
ENDEMIC HÆMOPTYSIS
[CHAP.

which can be seen a number of tunnels filled with the same material that constitutes the characteristic sputum, and also containing one, two, or more small trematodes. The septa between the tunnels may break down and a considerable cavity be thus produced; and as this occurs in connection with one of the bronchi, with which the tunnels always communicate, it may give rise to the appearance of

Fig. 161.—Ova of Paragonimus westermani in sputum.

a dilated bronchus. One burrow may communicate with another.

When first discovered it was supposed that P. westermani was confined to the lungs. We now know that it may affect the liver, peritoneum, testes, intestine, skin, muscle, and brain. In the brain it forms a sort of tunnelled tumour similar to those in the lungs, and by the pressure or irritation proceeding from this tumour may give rise to a peculiar and ultimately fatal form of Jacksonian epilepsy.