Morphological and taxonomic studies on mammalian trypanosomes

Abstract

The object of this study was to define the relationship between Trypanosoma uniforme and T. vivax, and to provide exact methods for their differentiation. The investigation was carried out by statistical methods and was based on several strains of each species from different localities. It was established that the strains corresponding to the two species fall into two distinct groups which are characterized constantly by differences in the mean lengths and in the range of lengths of the trypanosomes. It was also demonstrated that the measurement of ten individuals selected at random from any strain provides a satisfactory method for the identification of the species to which the trypanosomes belong. The systematic position of the two groups of trypanosomes is discussed, and it is concluded that their original status as separate species, T. uniforme and T. vivax, should be retained. A review is given of the previous records of T. uniforme, together with a list of hosts and the geographical distribution of this trypanosome.