Parasitological studies in British Honduras. 1. A parasite resembling Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi in the coati, Nasua narica (Carnivora, Procyonidae), and a note on Trypanosoma legeri from the ant-eater, Tamandua tetradactyla (Edentata)

ABSTRACT

A trypanosome, morphologically indistinguishable from Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi, is described in the coati (Nasua narica, Carnivora, Procyonidae) from British Honduras. Although Chagas' disease has yet to be reported from British Honduras, it is known to occur in the neighbouring countries of Guatemala and Mexico. It is suggested that the disease may exist in British Honduras but has so far gone undiagnosed. Clinical and epidemiological searches for it might well be instigated. T. legeri Mesnil and Brimont, 1910, was encountered in five of 12 ant-eaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) examined in the El Cayo District of British Honduras. Attempts to culture the parasite in NNN blood-agar media were unsuccessful (Summary)