The Species ofEnterobiusLeach, in Primates

Abstract

The vast majority of the helminthic parasites of man are represented among those animals which are in close contact with man, either by the same species or at least, by closely related forms. A very noticeable exception isEnterobius vermicularis. Possibly owing to its special life-history, it has become highly specialised for its human host and to find its closest relations, it is necessary to examine the forms found in primates.The object of this paper is accordingly to systematise our knowledge of the oxyurid worms found in this group.AsEnterobius vermicularisis the most important of these, it has been found desirable to briefly re-describe its anatomy, followed by that of the related species, in apes, in monkeys and other primates.