What African Trypanosomiasis Is All About

Write-up by D Chosen 1

Trypanosomiasis is differentiated into the African Trypanosomiasis and the American trypanosomiasis (Chigas' Disease) which are prevelent in the respective regions bearing their names. It is a transmissible illness conveyed by bites of tse tse fly and hence a good information of such a illness can equip 1 for adequate prevention

African TrypanosomiasisThe causative agents for the African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) are the Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Both forms are transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies (Glossina species), which inhabit the open savannah of eastern Africa (T.b.rhodesiense) or riverine areas in western and central Africa (T.b.gambiense). Wild game mammals (hartebeest, lion, hyena) as properly as cattle act as reservoirs of T.b.rhodesiense. Trypanosoma b.gambiense has been found mostly in domestic pigs, cattle, and dogs. Though, there is evidence that antelope may also carry the parasite. Numerous fly-man transmission are far more widespread in west and central Africa. When the trypanosomes are ingested by tsetse fly they embark on a complex cycle of development and multiplication, initial in the fly's gut and later in its salivary glands.

<u>Morphology</u>Trypanosoma b.gambiense can be observed as spindle-shaped cells with an undulatory membrane and pointed flagella at the ends. The organisms are motile, 25-40 micrometer in length. Their cytoplasm is stained light-blue although the nucleus, blepharoplast and flagellum are stained red.

<u>Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations</u>Trypanosomiasis is a transmissible disease and is covered by the bite of the tsetse flies. Infection with trypanosomes gives rise to African sleeping sickness which is characterized by fever, rash, headache, lymphadenopathy, Odema of the brain. T.b.rhodesiense is far more virulent. Rhodesien form of trypanosomiasis develops inside weeks to months. Gambian form develops within years. The disease becomes chronic and persists for months and even years. There are alternating periods of fever and apparent recovery, followed by depression and progressive lethargy. A slight number of parasites are present in the blood. The trypanosomes are present in the tissues, particularly in the muscles and in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient dies regularly from the disease.

<u>Laboratory diagnosis</u>It comprises of microscopic examination of blood and material obtained by puncture of the enlarged lymph nodes examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (for the presence of trypanosomes).

Prophylaxis is ensured by a complex measures which contain recognition and treatment of patients, protection of the population from the bites of tsetse flies (Glossina palpalis), the use of insect repellents, extermination of vector flies.

Trypanosoma CruziThis is the causative agent of the American trypanosomiasis (Chigas' Disease). T. cruzi was discovered in 1909 by C. Chigas in Brazil. Children are the most susceptible to this illness. American trypanosomiasis is transmitted by bite of different bug species of the family members Triatomidae. The natural reservoirs of the disease are wild animals- armadilloes, opossums, rodents, and monkeys.

<u>Clinical manifestations</u>Children younger than 1 year of age suffer from the illness extremely frequently and die inside a couple of days. In adults, the disease is accompanied with a rise of temperature, edema of the face, and enlargement of the thyroid gland lymph nodes, spleen and liver.

<u>Laboratory diagnosis</u>This is created by examinations of patient's blood guinea pig inoculation with 5-10ml of patient's blood. Prophylaxis is achieved by extermination of bugs (the vectors of the causative agent). Chemoprophylaxis with unique preparation is carried out in endemic areas.

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what if i had trypanasoma brucei gambiense Info and pics from Berger, Jürgen and Overath, Dr. Peter,February 4, 2003 100 (three) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences On the internet, www.pnas.org Bosley, sarah. Friday May possibly 15, 1985,http//www.guardian.co. uk/science/2004/may15/sleeping-sickness-treatment-africa-breakthroughs. Wikipedia, CDC.com, Zimmer, Carl. Parasite Rex:Inside the Bizzare World of Natures Most Hazardous Creatures,Touchstone, Rockefeller Center New York, NY. 2001.