[The large island--impressions of a medical parasitological trip to Madagascar].

The course of an investigation trip through Madagascar is sketched. It allowed to analyze the parasitological situation. It is explained with the sociological and economical facts and the unusual fauna of this island. The two biggest problems are Malaria tropica and schistosomatosis (bilharziasis). Further, Ancylostoma, Ascaris, taeniids, and Wuchereria occur. Plague is rare. Fasciola gigantica has been introduced since short time only. Introduction of other parasites must be feared. Sleeping illness and nagana are lacking, as well as rabies, yellow fever, Fasciola hepatica, Echinococcus granulosus, Hymenolepis nana, Trichinella spiralis and Dracunculus medinensis. Effective control measures may not be reasonable at present because of the socio-economic structure as a result of the former colonial status.