Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
Quick Summary
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is a protozoan parasite responsible for the chronic form of African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness. This infectious disease is transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies.12
The initial symptoms of infection include fever, headache, and joint pain. If left untreated, the parasite can invade the brain and spinal cord, leading to neurological issues such as personality changes, sleep disturbances, and profound lethargy, which can ultimately be fatal. While the West African form, caused by T. brucei gambiense, progresses more slowly, it can still lead to death within a few years. Efforts to control the disease involve treating infected individuals and protecting populations from tsetse fly bites.12
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sleeping sickness…infection with the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma brucei gambiense or the closely related subspecies T. brucei rhodesiense, transmitted by the tsetse fly (genus Glossina). Sleeping sickness is characterized by two stages of illness. In the first stage, infected persons typically experience fever, headache, muscle and joint
Read More…infection with the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma brucei gambiense or the closely related subspecies T. brucei rhodesiense, transmitted by the tsetse fly (genus Glossina). Sleeping sickness is characterized by two stages of illness. In the first stage, infected persons typically experience fever, headache, muscle and joint
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trypanosomiasis…of the disease caused by T. brucei gambiense. Both organisms can eventually invade the brain, causing mental deterioration, coma, and death.
Read More…of the disease caused by T. brucei gambiense. Both organisms can eventually invade the brain, causing mental deterioration, coma, and death.
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