Observations on hookworm anemia in the North General Hospital

1. The incidence of hookworm anemia has progressively increased during the last three years2. The stage of anemia in ankylostomiasis is reached slowly and after a longer period than that mentioned by other authors3. The anemia, although predominantly hypochromic microcytic, may also be macrocytic hypochromic, hypoplastic, or aplastic4. To discover the hookworm ova, great care should be exercised. In many instances, repeated stool examinations may be necessary5. Treatment should be very thorough, if the parasite is to be completely eradicated. There were instances in which several series of anthelminthic treatment had been necessary. (Summary)

Schistosomiasis involving the brain: two case reports

Two cases of schistosomiasis involving the brain and causing exclusively cerebral symptoms, with complete necropsy protocol in one, are reported. The genesis of the brain lesions is discussed briefly and an explanation is offered as to how ova might appear in the cerebro-spinal fluid obtained by spinal puncture, and thus help establish a clinical diagnosis. It is hoped that the possibility of schistosomiasis of the brain will be entertained in obscure cases with epileptiform convulsions, especially in patients coming from endemic areas. In fact, the disease increases the range of possibilities in the elucidation of any group of obscure cerebral symptoms.(Summary)