African sleeping sickness

Definition

African sleeping sickness, also known as human African trypanosomiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected tsetse fly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The causative agents are Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
2. Symptoms include fever, headaches, joint pains, and later stages involve neurological issues leading to sleep disturbances.
3. The disease progresses through two stages: a haemolymphatic phase followed by a meningoencephalitic phase affecting the central nervous system.
4. Diagnosis often involves blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and sometimes lymph node aspiration.
5. Treatment varies based on the stage of the disease and includes drugs like pentamidine for early-stage T. b. gambiense and melarsoprol for late-stage infections.

Review Questions

• What are the two main species of Trypanosoma that cause African sleeping sickness?
• Describe the progression through the two stages of African sleeping sickness.
• What are some common diagnostic methods used to identify African sleeping sickness?

Related terms

Trypanosoma brucei: A parasitic protozoan species that causes African sleeping sickness.

Tsetse fly: A vector insect responsible for transmitting Trypanosoma parasites to humans.

Pentamidine: An antimicrobial drug used in the treatment of early-stage T. b. gambiense infection.