Ankylostomiasis in Travancore

Abstract

During the past decade tropical diseases have - -- coma to occupy a prominent place in the field of medicine. At one time, the classification of diseases on a climatic basis was not considered to be of any value. But gradually it came to be recognised that there were certain - - -- diseases peculiar to the tropics and which only occurred in temperate climates when the requisite condition as -- regards temperature was accidentally satisfied. Certain - diseases as Scarlet fever, were found only in temperate climates, while several diseases as syphilis cancer tuberculosis were found in all climates. Diseases produced by parasitic worms are essentially tropical, as eggs of the worms will hatch only when a high degree of warmth - and moisture are available. h.at diseases caused by - worms are extremely common in India, is borne out by the

fact that nearly 75% of its inhabitants suffer from worm infection. Of the various forms of worm infection, the most important, on account of its severity and the great economic-consequences, is ankylostomiasis. In Ceylon, - the mortality from it, has been estimated to be greater than that from cholera (vide Ankylostomise' in Brouardel - et Gilbert nouveau Traitede medicine 1906 IV).

Travancore is an agricultural country.Geologically, many portions of Travancore, were originally under the - sea.

As a result there are many marshes and sandy areas in -- different parts of the country. The country is covered by luxuriant vegetation. The conditions are favourable to the spread of ankylostomiasis. As the main feature of ankylostomiasis, is anaemia, it may be well classed under the great group of anaemias. The two recognised groups of anaemia found in temperate climates, are chlorosis and pernicious anaemia. .They are not considered of much importance, owing to their comparative rarity. in the tropics, anaemia is very common. Of - the forms of anaemia, that produced by worms, is the commonest. Among the worms which produce anaemia in the tropics, the most important is the ankylostoma duodenales.