Cyclopaedia of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Volume 12) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1887. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. FUNGOUS GROWTHS AND PARASITES OF THE VULVA. "TTTE will first speak of the animal parasites, which are few in number, and which, with the exception of the harmless trichomonas, come from the rectum. The most common parasite is the oxyuris vermicularis. There is certainly no obstacle in the way of the wanderings of this ascaris from the rectum into the vagina, since it may progress along the perineum. They are found most frequently in little girls. In addition to the ascarides the eggs of the taenia solium and the ascaris lumbricoides have been found in the vulva, the result of uncleanly habits in wiping the anus after defecation. We are not in a position to state whether the eggs of these parasites may be retained in the vulva and the vagina and eventually there be developed. In case of the ascarides this is claimed by Vix. The pediculus pubis is only found in the hair of the pudenda and of the mons veneris, and causes itching and scratching. During coition the acarus scabiei may be carried into the vagina. Haussmann in one instance found the mites of this species in the vaginal mucous, although they were dead. The vegetable parasites are scarcely of less importance. We will not refer here to vibrios and bacteria. These are so frequent, especially during the puerperium, that it is no matter for surprise that they are found constantly. Of the vegetable parasites only a few are noted: the leptothrix vaginalis, the oidium albicans of Robin. Leptothrix was first found by Leuwenhoeck, but this had been forgotten until Donne again called attention to it, and Kolliker and Scanzoni as well. In addition, C. Mayer, E. Martin, Frankenhaiiser, and Winckel detected this fungus in the female genital organs. These fungi are harmless. With the exception of t...