The Occurrence of Diplopods in the Human Alimentary Tract. With Notes on Two New Cases

Abstract

In view of a widespread scepticism that persists as to the possibility of myriopods adapting themselves for any considerable length of time to a parasitic life within the human body, it seems desirable to preface the record of a new case with some general remarks. The scepticism mentioned is natural since so many supposed cases of this kind have been based upon observation not rigorously controlled and because of the well known tendency among persons, particularly women, in morbid or hysterical states to introduce organisms or other foreign material into their dejecta or even into the rectum or vagina. However, the number of carefully authenticated cases is now so large that there is no room whatever for doubt that myriopods may live for considerable periods, in some cases certainly for months, if not years, both in the aerial passages and in the alimentary tract, through the entire length of which they may pass unharmed. The cases on record at the time were carefully reviewed by Professor Blanchard in 1898, with additions in 1902. Of the forty cases noted, thirty-one concerned the presence of the animals in the aerial passages, particularly the nasal cavity, and nine their presence in the alimentary tract. All the forms noted as occurring in the aerial passages were chilopods, these being active nocturnal forms that probably entered the body of their own volition during sleep; while of the forms noted as occurring in the alimentary tract, six are chilopods and three diplopods. In considering the likelihood of the continued living of myriopods once introduced into the stomach it should be noted that they are not disturbed by the higher temperature existing and that the digestive fluids do not act on their chitinous shell. The closing of the spiracles would prevent the penetration of the digestive fluids when the animals were submerged. These animals have been proved experimentally to be able to withstand long continued submergence, though in the stomach complete submergence would not necessarily be frequent or prolonged. The gases normally present contain enough oxygen to meet the needs of these forms and food would be abundant. In this connection it is