The tolerance of the metacyclic and flagellate forms of Leptomonas ctenocephali fantham to variations of humidity and salinity

Abstract

Metacyclic forms of L. ctenocephali remain viable over long periods only when enveloped in dry flea feces. Humidity and a salt concn. up to 2.3% are necessary for further development but continued moisture causes rapid disintegration of such activated forms. Salt concns. up to 4% tend to inhibit the motility of the flag -ellate forms developed in fecal material but do not destroy their viability as quickly as does fresh water.