A Parasitic Spiral Organism in the Stomach of the Cat

Abstract

1. A parasitic spiral organism averaging 4 to 8μ long, with regular, closely set spirals about 0·75μ broad, has been found in the stomach in eight cats, none of which showed any obvious signs of gastric disturbance. The organisms occurred in the lumina of ducts and glands throughout the stomach, and also within the oxyntic cells. They were not seen in any part of the intestines except the very beginning of the duodenum, or in any other organ. 2. They are extremely active, and are readily stained by aniline dyes. 3. The mode of passage from one animal to another is not known, but food and faeces may be eliminated as possible sources of infection.