African Sleeping Sickness

Introduction. 

African sleeping sickness is caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by an insect vector, the tsetse fly. Animal reservoirs exist for at least one strain. 

Summary

• Cause: Trypanosoma brucei (2 strains)
• Microscopy: Flagellate with undulating membrane
• Transmission: Tsetse fly (vector)
• Symptoms: Ulcer at bite site (occasional); fever, myalgia, arthralgia, enlarged lymph nodes
• Complications: CNS involvement; lethargy, tremors, meningoencephalitis
• Pathogenesis: Invasion of blood, lymph, CSF; tissue destruction
• Treatment: