West African trypanosomiasis
Quick Summary
West African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and transmitted by the tsetse fly. The illness progresses in two stages. The initial stage involves symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes.1
The second stage, which can develop over months or years, is characterized by the parasite invading the brain and spinal cord. This leads to neurological issues such as personality changes, sleep disturbances, and profound lethargy, ultimately proving fatal if untreated. While historically a significant public health concern, intensive control efforts have led to a substantial decrease in reported cases.1
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sleeping sicknessInfection and disease courseIn the West African (or Gambian) type, T. brucei gambiense infection, there is a delay of one or more years before the trypanosomes proceed to invade the brain and spinal cord. The resulting neurological symptoms include severe headache, mental dullness and apathy, a weary shuffling gait, tremors,…
Read MoreIn the West African (or Gambian) type, T. brucei gambiense infection, there is a delay of one or more years before the trypanosomes proceed to invade the brain and spinal cord. The resulting neurological symptoms include severe headache, mental dullness and apathy, a weary shuffling gait, tremors,…
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trypanosomiasisWest African, or Gambian, trypanosomiasis is a slower-developing chronic form of the disease caused by T. brucei gambiense. Both organisms can eventually invade the brain, causing mental deterioration, coma, and death.
Read MoreWest African, or Gambian, trypanosomiasis is a slower-developing chronic form of the disease caused by T. brucei gambiense. Both organisms can eventually invade the brain, causing mental deterioration, coma, and death.
Read More