African sleeping sickness

African sleeping sickness or African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease of humans and other animals. It is caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by the tsetse fly. The disease is endemic in certain regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, covering about 36 countries and 60 million people. It is named because the symptoms can include a disrupted sleep cycle.

Etiology

The disease is caused by the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (T.b. gambiense) and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T.b. rhodesiense). T.b. gambiense accounts for over 98% of reported cases, causing a slow and chronic form of the disease. T.b. rhodesiense causes a more acute and fast-developing form of the disease.

Transmission

The disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The flies are generally found in rural areas, near bodies of water. The tsetse fly ingests the parasites when it feeds on an infected host, which can be a human or an animal.

Symptoms

The symptoms of African sleeping sickness include fever, headaches, joint pains, and itching. In advanced stages, the disease can cause a number of neurological problems, including changes in personality, alterations of the sleep cycle, confusion, and poor coordination.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of African sleeping sickness can be made by microscopic examination of blood samples or lymph node aspirates. More advanced techniques include the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

Treatment

Treatment of African sleeping sickness is dependent on the stage of the disease. Drugs used include Suramin, Pentamidine, Melarsoprol, and Eflornithine.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include reducing contact with tsetse flies, using insect repellent, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants in areas where tsetse flies are common.

See also

• List of tropical diseases
• Parasitic diseases
• Tsetse fly