East African trypanosomiasis

Definition

East African trypanosomiasis, also known as East African sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. It primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and can be fatal if untreated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly.
2. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and joint pains followed by neurological symptoms like confusion and sleep disturbances.
3. Diagnosis often involves blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and microscopy to identify the parasite.
4. Treatment typically includes antiparasitic medications such as suramin or melarsoprol.
5. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and reducing exposure to tsetse fly habitats.

Review Questions

• What is the causative agent of East African trypanosomiasis?
• How is East African trypanosomiasis transmitted?
• What are common initial and neurological symptoms of East African trypanosomiasis?

Related terms

Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: The parasitic protozoan responsible for East African trypanosomiasis.

Tsetse Fly: The insect vector that transmits the Trypanosoma brucei species.

Sleeping Sickness: A term commonly used to refer to both forms of human African trypanosomiasis caused by different subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei.