West African trypanosomiasis

Definition

West African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. It primarily affects the central nervous system leading to severe neurological symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The disease is transmitted by the tsetse fly which thrives in rural parts of West Africa.
2. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is responsible for over 95% of reported cases of West African trypanosomiasis.
3. Symptoms progress from fever and lymphadenopathy to central nervous system involvement characterized by sleep disturbances and neurological decline.
4. Diagnosis typically involves serological tests, microscopic examination of blood, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
5. Treatment includes anti-trypanosomal medications such as pentamidine for early-stage infections and eflornithine for late-stage infection.

Review Questions

• What organism causes West African trypanosomiasis and how is it transmitted?
• Describe the progression of symptoms in a patient with West African trypanosomiasis.
• What are the primary methods used for diagnosing West African trypanosomiasis?

Related terms

Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: A subspecies causing East African trypanosomiasis, known for rapid progression.

Tsetse Fly: Vector responsible for transmitting Trypanosoma parasites causing human sleeping sickness.

Pentamidine: An anti-trypanosomal drug used in the treatment of early-stage West African trypanosomiasis.