Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 2088

CHARLES LOUIS ALPHONSE LAVERAN (1845-1922) Trypanosomes et trypanosomiases. Masson 1904 xi [1] 417 [5] 32 pp., illus., col. plate. 25.2 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 2086

Trypanosomiasis in man is caused by three protozoan species of the genus Trypanosoma. Two species cause different forms of African sleeping sickness and the third causes Chagas' disease. Both forms of the African disease are caused by the protozoan which is transmitted by the tsetse fly. The disease is endemic in parts of Africa and some areas have been abandoned or are largely undeveloped because of heavy infestation by diseased flies. Laveran has here collaborated with Mesnil in preparing this key monograph on the Trypanosoma and trypanosomiasis. In this comprehensive work, the authors discuss the techniques they utilized in studying the protozoan, comparative studies they performed, characteristics of the disease in humans and animals, and specific action of the various species of Trypanosoma in experimental animals. One of their key findings was that the protozoan could be maintained in rats and mice by serial passage. This discovery was of great value to Ehrlich (see No. 2156) in his search for a successful cure for the disease. The authors recommended a tonic of quinine and arsenic for treatment of the condition in humans. Mesnil became chief of the laboratory at the Pasteur Institute in 1898 and a professor in 1910. His major interests were in protozoology and tropical medicine. In 1906 with Maurice Nicolle (1826-1932) he introduced trypan-blue for treatment of trypanosomiasis. Both authors have inscribed this copy on the half-title page to a Dr. Rouget.

See Related Record(s): 2156

Cited references: Garrison-Morton 5278; Waller 5641 (2nd ed., 1912)

Gift of John Martin, M.D.