Human African trypanosomiasis

Definition

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei. It primarily affects the central nervous system and is transmitted by the tsetse fly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are two subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei that cause the disease: T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense.
2. The early stage of infection involves fever, headaches, joint pains, and itching; the late stage involves neurological symptoms such as confusion and coordination issues.
3. Diagnosis typically requires identification of trypanosomes in blood, lymph node fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
4. Without treatment, Human African trypanosomiasis is usually fatal due to progressive brain involvement.
5. Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease and includes drugs like pentamidine for early stages and eflornithine for late stages.

Review Questions

• What are the two subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei responsible for Human African trypanosomiasis?
• Describe the progression of symptoms from early to late-stage Human African trypanosomiasis.
• How is Human African trypanosomiasis diagnosed?

Related terms

Trypanosoma brucei: A protozoan parasite causing Human African trypanosomiasis.

Tsetse Fly: The insect vector responsible for transmitting Trypanosoma brucei.

Eflornithine: A drug used in the treatment of late-stage Human African trypanosomiasis.