NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
156 THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
[VI, II
DESCRIPTION OF THE PARASITE
Repeated minute examination of the blood smears revealed only gametocytes
in the red blood corpuscles. No schizonts could be seen. These gametocytes
were apparently in different stages of development as shown by the variety of
their shapes—Rings, pear, elongated forms, spindles, boomerangs and typical
halteridia encircling the nucleus of the host cell. In some, the cytoplasm stained
a pale blue with Leishman's stain; the nucleus was situated in the centre, was
large and consisted of a number of chromatin granules stained intensely red and
apparently enclosed by a membrane. In these gametocytes the brownish black
pigment granules were collected together. These were apparently male gameto-
cytes. In others, apparently females, the cytoplasm took a deeper hue with Leish-
man's stain and the nucleus was not granular but compact. The number of game-
tocytes in each corpuscle was variable. Some red cells contained only one ma-
ture gametocyte. In others there was a mature gametocyte on each side of the
nucleus. These were either both of the same sex or of opposite sexes. In others
again there were three or four gametocytes, some of them mature and the other
immature. More than four gametocytes in a single corpuscle were not encoun-
tered.
TRANSMISSION EXPERIMENT
A fowl was inoculated with the blood obtained from the peacock but daily
examination of the blood of the fowl for over a month failed to reveal any para-
sites. The parasite was thus not transmissible to fowls by blood inoculation.
DISCUSSION.
Further work on this parasite was unfortunately cut short by the owner fail-
ing to bring the bird to the laboratory, because, as related by him, the bird died
two days after his visit to the hospital. Opportunity is being awaited to pursue
this investigation further. In view, however, of the clues yielded by the investi-
gation that has been possible, there can be little doubt that the parasite of the
peacock belongs to the Hoemoproteus genus of intra-corpuscular parasites of bird
malaria. It has been already stated that examination of the blood smears has
revealed a notable absence of schizonts which are a characteristic feature of the
members—now-a-days regarded as the truly malarial— of the genus Plasmodium.
The typical halteridium shape, the absence of deformity of the host cells and to
some extent the non-transmissibility by blood inoculation are all points in
further support of the view that the parasite belongs to the genus Hoemoproteus.
As reference to the available literature has failed to reveal any mention of this
parasite and as there is now-a-days, among workers on this group a uniform ten-
dency to regard such parasites as distinct species on the simple criterion of host
specificity it is considered advisable, tentatively, to hold this species as a new one
HOEMOPROTEUS IN THE INDIAN PEACOCK
157
until the contrary is proved. From the fate of peacock that came to the
hospital and its mate, which showed similar symptoms before death, it is
surmised that this parasite can cause an illness which might prove fatal in
this bird.
SUMMARY
(1) The occurrence of a species of Hoemoproteus in the Indian peacock is
recorded.
(2) Pending proof to the contrary, this species is held to be a new one.
(3) It is also surmised that this parasite can cause an illness which may prove
fatal in this bird.
REFERENCES
Knowles, R. (1928). An Introduction to Medical Protozoology.
The Veterinary Bulletin.—1931-1935.
Wenyon, C. W. (1926). Protozoology.
A NEW BLEEDING TRAVIS
BY
N. S. SANKARANARAYANAN, G. M. V. C.,
Animal Nutrition Section, Bangalore.
(Received for publication on 23rd May 1935).
With Plate V and four text-figs.
For both chemical and physiological studies, it is the general custom to draw
sample of blood from the jugular vein, after casting and securing the animal. This
method has been found to have many disadvantages. The first and foremost
is straining the animal to such an extent that the composition of the blood is
likely to vary during the time of sampling. Peters and Van Slyke have stated in
the Quantitative Clinical Chemistry Interpretations, " There is concentration
of Erythrocytes and Haemoglobin during exercise and shock ". Secondly, taking
blood samples from pregnant animals is impossible as casting a pregnant cow is
not to be thought of. Further, casting a cow even when not pregnant may result
in injury to the animal. Lastly blood has to be drawn from animals under diges-
tion experiment. When such animals are cast, it always happens that both urine
and faeces are lost and the digestion experiment is spoiled. Waste of time is also
a point for consideration when many animals are to be bled on the same day. So,
a method had to be devised for drawing blood from the animal in a standing pos-
ture. The animal has, therefore, to be firmly secured, so as to prevent it from mov-
ing backwards or forwards or from lying down or jumping up, at the same time,
giving it the least exertion and pain thereby the chances of accidents are mini-
mised. A detailed description of the travis recently put up in the Animal Nutri-
tion Section at Bangalore satisfies most of the requirements.
FIG 1.
BLEEDING TRAVIS.
( 158 )
NEW BLEEDING TRAVIS
159
The travis which is simply a modified dressing travis as used in the Veteri-
nary Hospitals, consists of (1) Fixed wooden frame, (2) Front plank, (3) Sling pad,
(4) Press pad and (5) Neck rope. The sketch (Fig. 1) overleaf is a picture of the
wooden frame with all the measurements. The front posts are longer than the
back ones, the posts carry two horizontal bars in the middle with holes at suitable
lengths to receive cross-bars and the horizontal bars at the top do not reach the
last vertical posts. For cross-bars, pieces of G. I. pipings 1½ in are found suitable
as they are strong and round. The two front posts carry two iron guards 2 ft.
long in front of which one is fixed and the other movable from a horizontal to a
vertical position with fixing arrangements. These iron guards hold the front
plank in position as shown in the sketch (Fig. 1).
The front plank is 3' × l' 11" and is padded on one side and fixed between
the guards with the padding inside just before the animal is brought in. This
plank apart from holding the animal protects the operator also from injury.
FIG. 2.
Figure 2 is the sling pad. This is only a stuffed gunny bag to which three
thick ropes (preferably cotton or jute) of sufficient length are stitched on. This
padding comes under the animal and with the ropes on both sides tied through
holes at the top horizontal plank of the wooden frame, supports the animal as if
on slings,
FIG. 3.
Figure 3 is the press pad, which is another stuffed gunny bag about half as
wide as the one described above to which four similar ropes are stitched on. This
cushion is placed over the back of the animal and the ropes on both sides are tied
to the bottom horizontal bars.
160 THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY [VI, II
FIG. 4.
Figure 4 is the neck rope, which has a neck loop and two long ropes on both
sides. The loop enclosed in a padding is fixed at the yoke place and the side
ropes are pulled tightly back and fixed to the middle vertical posts.
Besides the above parts, three or four pillow-shaped gunny cushions are made
use of, one of which is tied to the post to which the animal's head is turned and
fixed, by means of a muzzle rope tied to the post for bleeding from one side.
Similarly other cushions are placed wherever the animal gets a moving space
and wherever the body comes in contact with the hard wooden frame.
In a bullock the nose string helps a great deal in securing the head but in a cow
the nose string is replaced by the muzzle and neck strap which is generally used for
horses and the head is strapped to the front post.
All the edges and corners are rounded and smoothened. The sharp edges of
the holes are also rounded to prevent wear and tear of the ropes of sling and press
pads.
Working of the Travis.—The front plank is fixed before the animal is brought
and as soon as the animal is led in, a bar is introduced at the back between the
second and the third posts. The holes are to be selected according to the length
of the animal. Another bar is placed in front just behind the front plank to pre-
vent the animal from striking with its fore legs, a third one is introduced between
the two front posts and this passes above the neck of the animal behind the horns.
Now the animal may be considered to have been effectively secured. But it may
make attempts to jump or lie down. To prevent that, the sling and the press pads
are tied which hold the animal as if in a vice. If it still attempts to move, the neck
rope should be tied (this must be the last operation in securing the beast). No
further movement is now possible. The pressure applied at the neck by this last
operation also makes the jugular vein prominent. Now the animal's head is turned
towards the post and fixed over the cushion mentioned above. The entire task
of securing can be completed in five minutes. In releasing, the ropes of the sling
pads and press pads are untied on one side and the pads are drawn to the other side,
and the neck loop is released. Finally the bars behind and above the neck are
removed and the animal is then free to move back. Plate V, Fig.1, is a picture of
Ind. Jour. Vety. Sci. & Anim. Husb. Vol. VI, Part
2.
PLATE V
A NEW BLEEDING TRAVIS
FIG. 1.
FIG. 2.
FIG. 3.
FIG. 4.
NEW BLEEDING TRAVIS
161
the travis with all the parts fitted up and ready to receive the animal. Plate V,
Figs. 2 and 3 are pictures of the same with the animal ready for bleeding. With
the devices mentioned above even the most refractory animals can be made to
stand still and so far, no case of accident has happened.
Bleeding.—Drawing blood from the jugular vein is known to all professional
people. They adopt very elaborate arrangements in sterilisation but those seem
to be unnecessary. An ordinary hypodermic needle and a swab of tincture iodine
are all that are necessary. The needle is sterilised by swabbing all over with tinc-
ture iodine and the seat of operation is also similarly treated. To draw blood
the skin at the site of operation is pinched by the left hand and raised, the needle
is then thrust into the subcutaneous tissue and after adjusting the length either
by drawing out or pushing in the needle, the point of the needle is brought near
the projecting vein, then by giving a sharp and gentle push the needle is thrust
into the vein which allows a free flow of blood. On the other hand if an attempt
is made to thrust the needle direct into the vein, the force exerted to pierce the skin
may displace the vein from its position and the needle is likely to miss the vein.
The blood is collected by holding a tube below as shown in Plate V, Fig. 4.
Blood samples are being taken by this method almost every alternate day and
there has not been a single case of any after-effect, not even the slightest swelling
at the site of bleeding.
Before concluding it may not be out of place to mention about the quality
of blood collected thus. As tincture iodine is freely used, the sample may not be
fit for iodine estimations. But absolute alcohol may replace iodine in case iodine
estimations are required. As regards sterility, this much can be said that the
use of this travis eliminates two sources of outside contamination namely the
ground and the bedding. For collecting sterile blood, therefore, this travis offers
definite advantages.
I acknowledge with profound gratitude the inspiring guidance given and
constant interest taken by Dr. F. J. Warth during the course of this work.
With great pleasure I also thank Mr. N. C. Das Gupta, B.Sc., Assistant to the
Physiological Chemist, for his valuable suggestions in perfecting this travis.
SUMMARY
A new travis for drawing blood for experimental purposes from animals in
standing posture is described with sketches and photographs,
G
SELECTED ARTICLES
DIET AND DISEASE
BY
PROF. STUART J. COWELL,
Professor of Dietetics, St. Thomas's Hospital Medical School, London.
[Reprinted from Nature, May 4, 1935, pp, 716-718]
The twenty-five years of His Majesty's reign which are now being celebrated
correspond remarkably closely with the establishment of a new era in the science
of nutrition. At the opening of the twentieth century, attention was being focused
on the quantitative relations of the energy exchanges of the body and on the
metabolism within the body of the proteins, fats and carbohydrates of the food.
The physiologists and chemists working at these problems were making most
valuable contributions to the body of knowledge concerning the processes of nutri-
tion, but such contributions were for the most part not of such a nature as to
afford obvious clues either to the origin of or to the treatment of disease. The
second decade of the twentieth century witnessed the rapid development of the
view that the adequate nutrition of an animal depended on the presence in its food
of hitherto unsuspected elements. The absence of such essential elements from a
diet was proved to result regularly in the appearance of predictable signs of
disease and the fundamentally new idea of deficiency diseases became gradually
established in current medical teaching.
Before mentioning any of the effects which this new conception of nutrition
has had on the problems of the prevention and treatment of disease, it will be useful
to hark back to the 'pre-Georgian' era to review the current teaching of the medical
profession regarding the relation of diet to disease. The fact that faulty diets
are often the direct or indirect cause of disease was of course fully recognised, as
it had been for many centuries. But there was little precise knowledge available
to enable definite diseases to be ascribed to specific dietetic errors. Over-eating
was regarded as predisposing to many gastro-intestinal diseases, gout and raised
blood pressure, and under-eating was considered to render the body more liable to
invasion by harmful bacteria. The idea of lack of balance between the various
classes of foodstuffs, for example, relative excess or deficiency of protein, carbohy¬
drate or fat was looked upon as at least an important contributory cause of disease.
In the case of scurvy, it was already taught that the absence from the diet of some
principle which was present in fresh foods but not in stale foods contributed largely
to the production of the disorder. Otherwise the production of disease by faulty
diet was largely related to the presence of toxins, pathogenic bacteria or living para-
sites in food which had become accidentally contaminated.
( 162 )
DIET AND DISEASE
165
large part to faulty development of the teeth during the early years of life brought
about by dietetic faults, of which vitamin-D deficiency is the most prominent.
Similarly it has been shown that, in dogs at least, the tendency to the develop-
ment of pyorrhoea alveolaris in adult life is largely determined by the supply
of vitamin A which was available during the period of growth. These few illus-
trations must suffice to indicate that the original conception of vitamin-deficiency
diseases has extended its boundaries to include a variety of diseases attributable to
past dietary deficiencies, preventible by suitable feeding during the period of
growth.
Similar results have been achieved during the period under review by the
study of specific mineral deficiency diseases. Prominent among those mineral
elements deficiency of which in the diet may lead to recognisable symptoms of
disease are iron, copper, iodine, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Lack of
sufficient iron in the food has been shown to result frequently in the development
of anaemia. Such nutritional anaemia is particularly common in infants, and is
accounted for by the fact that milk is a poor source of iron. The recognition of
this form of anaemia has proved to be of considerable practical importance
because it is often associated with an increased susceptibility to many of the
common complaints of infancy and can be corrected with great ease. The
enormous amount of work that has lately been carried out on the relation
between iodine deficiency and the development of goitre has not yet completely
solved the problem of the causes of thyroid enlargement but it has certainly
provided
very
successful
methods
of
wholesale
prophylaxis
in
districts where goitre is endemic. Lastly may be mentioned the revolution in the
cattle-rearing industry of South Africa which has followed the discovery of phos-
phorus deficiency as the immediate or ultimate cause of serious losses in this branch
of agriculture.
There can be no question that already the modern conception of nutrition
has produced practical results of immense significance in both preventive and cura-
tive clinical and veterinary medicine. The results are not confined to the pro-
phylaxis and treatment of diseases which arise as the result of actual deficiencies
in the food supplied. They have already been extended to include the treatment
of diseases in which defects in the absorption or utilisation of particular food ele-
ments rather than faulty diets are responsible for the development of co-existing
signs of deficiency diseases. The term ' secondary deficiency disease ' is now being
used to distinguish this particular class of nutritional disorder. In this group
might well be placed that once fatal malady pernicious anaemia, which the brilliant
researches of the past decade have shown to be amenable to simple dietetic treat-
ment, although there is no evidence that dietetic errors play any part in its
causation. As more and more precise information is gained concerning the
intimate processes of metabolism within the body, there should be
166 THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY [VI, II
increasing opportunities of preventing and successfully treating disease by
adjusting the diet to influence those metabolic processes which may produce the
symptoms of disease when they deviate from their normal course. This has long
been one of the aims of clinical medicine; its ultimate realisation has surely
been brought one stage nearer fulfilment by the nutritional investigations of the
past twenty-five years.
VIRUSES AS THE CAUSE OF DISEASE
BY
DR. JOSEPH A. ARKWRIGHT, F.R.S.,
Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, London.
(Reprinted from Nature, Vol. 135, No. 3418, May 4, 1935.)
At the end of the nineteenth century, a new category of infective agents was
discovered which are now classed as viruses, in the modern sense of the word.
The chief property which unites them, and by which they have been distinguished
from previously known minute parasites, is the extremely small size of their com-
ponent particles, since these are smaller than bacteria, and many of them are not
visible even with the highest powers of the microscope. Until quite recently,
it was customary to speak of all viruses as invisible, but in some cases the minute
granules of which the virus appears to consist can be clearly seen, when stained,
by direct microscopic observation ; but in most cases they cannot be distinguished
by their shape, but only by their uniformity, numbers and their source in special
parts of the diseased tissues. The recent investigations by Barnard with the
ultra-microscope and photo-micrography by ultra-violet light have added to our
knowledge of their size and form.
A special feature by which the invasion of the cells of the host by many
viruses can be recognised is the occurrence of' cell inclusion bodies '. These forms
of which there may be one or more in a single cell vary in size and. may be larger
than the nucleus. Opinion as to their nature has undergone various vicissitudes.
After their discovery, when they were at first hailed as protozoal parasites, they
were for long regarded as merely reaction products of the cell protoplasm to the
presence of the virus, a position now favoured for the ' inclusion bodies ' associated
with virus diseases of plants. More recently it has been shown that in some virus
diseases of animals these ' inclusion bodies ' consist of masses of the minute fil-
terable forms of ' elementary bodies ' held together by a soluble matrix. These
bodies have been most completely and fruitfully studied in fowl-pox, small-pox,
vaccinia, ectromelia—a disease of mice—and psittacosis, the infective disease of
parakeets which also attacks man.
The list of diseases of man and animals due to filterable viruses is continually
being increased and considerably more than fifty are now known; their study
has been intensified and especially productive during the last fifteen years.
The original recognition of the existence and importance of these agents was
due to the use of earthenware and porcelain filters which retained the smallest
bacteria. When tissue extracts or secretions from an infected animal were passed
through such filters, the filtrates were shown to be infective and capable of repro-
ducing the disease in a fresh animal; this process could be repeated indefinitely,
proving that the active agent multiplied in the animal body and was not merely
a chemical substance of toxin. The virus of foot-and-mouth disease, the first
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