Sleeping Sickness

Definition

Sleeping sickness, also known as African trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies. This disease primarily affects the central nervous system and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headaches, and severe sleep disturbances, leading to a progression of neurological issues if untreated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sleeping sickness is endemic in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, affecting thousands of people each year, particularly in regions near water bodies where tsetse flies thrive.
2. There are two forms of sleeping sickness: the chronic form caused by T. b. gambiense and the acute form caused by T. b. rhodesiense, with the former being more prevalent.
3. Symptoms initially include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes but can progress to severe neurological issues like confusion, sleep disturbances, and eventually coma if left untreated.
4. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to detect the presence of trypanosomes or cerebrospinal fluid examination for CNS involvement.
5. Treatment options vary depending on the disease stage; early-stage sleeping sickness is treated with pentamidine or suramin, while late-stage infections require more complex drugs like melarsoprol or eflornithine.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the lifecycle of Trypanosoma brucei relates to the transmission dynamics of sleeping sickness.
  • The lifecycle of Trypanosoma brucei involves both an insect vector and a mammalian host. The tsetse fly becomes infected when it feeds on a host that has the parasite in its bloodstream. Once inside the fly, the parasite undergoes development and then is transmitted back to a human host during subsequent feedings. Understanding this lifecycle is crucial for controlling the disease because it emphasizes the importance of managing tsetse fly populations in endemic areas.
• Evaluate the public health strategies that are effective in controlling sleeping sickness outbreaks in endemic regions.
  • Public health strategies for controlling sleeping sickness include vector control through insecticide-treated traps and environmental management to reduce tsetse fly populations. Screening programs for at-risk populations enable early detection and treatment of infections. Education about avoiding areas with high tsetse fly populations also plays a critical role. These strategies combined help reduce transmission rates and prevent outbreaks from spreading further.
• Synthesize information on the social and economic impacts of sleeping sickness on affected communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Sleeping sickness significantly affects social structures and economic productivity in affected communities. The disease can lead to decreased workforce availability as sick individuals are unable to work, which impacts agricultural output and local economies. Socially, families may face increased caregiving burdens, which can disrupt household dynamics and contribute to poverty cycles. The stigma associated with the disease can further isolate affected individuals, leading to reduced access to healthcare services and resources.

Related terms

Trypanosomiasis: A disease caused by various species of Trypanosoma protozoa, which includes both sleeping sickness and Chagas disease.

Tsetse Fly: A blood-feeding fly belonging to the genus Glossina, known for being the primary vector for sleeping sickness transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.

CNS Involvement: Refers to the central nervous system's engagement in diseases, such as sleeping sickness, leading to significant neurological symptoms and complications.