Sleeping Sickness - an introduction to African Trypanosomiasis

Summary

Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is caused by Trypanosoma brucei, with Gambian and Rhodesian forms affecting humans. Transmitted primarily by the tsetse fly, the disease has two stages: the early stage involves symptoms like fever and lymph node swelling, while the late stage affects the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological issues. Diagnosis involves laboratory tests, and treatment varies by infection stage. Prevention focuses on avoiding tsetse fly bites and controlling their populations. Despite significant declines in cases due to control efforts, sleeping sickness remains a major health concern in affected regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is caused by parasites called trypanosomes.
• 😀 The two main types causing human disease are Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
• 😀 Gambiense accounts for about 97% of cases, primarily in Central and West Africa, while rhodesiense accounts for about 3% in Eastern and Southern Africa.
• 😀 The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly, found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.
• 😀 Early symptoms include fever, joint pain, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes, while late-stage symptoms can involve neurological changes and sleep disturbances.
• 😀 If untreated, sleeping sickness can lead to death, with disease progression varying by parasite type.
• 😀 Diagnosis involves laboratory techniques, often through blood tests or examination of cerebrospinal fluid for advanced stages.
• 😀 Treatment options are limited and depend on the disease stage and type of parasite; the second stage is harder to treat.
• 😀 Preventative measures focus on avoiding tsetse fly bites, such as wearing protective clothing and reducing exposure in affected areas.
• 😀 Control efforts include surveillance, prompt treatment, and measures to reduce tsetse fly populations, supported by organizations like the WHO.

Q & A

What is human African trypanosomiasis commonly known as?

It is commonly known as sleeping sickness.

What are the two main types of trypanosomes causing human disease?

The two main types are Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

What percentage of sleeping sickness cases are caused by Gambian trypanosomiasis?

Gambian trypanosomiasis accounts for about 97% of all cases.

How is the disease transmitted to humans?

It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly.

What are the symptoms of the first stage of the disease?

Symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, itching, and enlarged lymph nodes.

What neurological symptoms indicate the second stage of the disease?

Symptoms may include changes in personality, psychiatric symptoms, weakness, movement problems, and sleep disturbances.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically done by examining blood under a microscope, or by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for second-stage infections.

What is the challenge in treating sleeping sickness?

The disease is harder to treat once it progresses to the second stage, requiring more toxic and complicated medication.

What measures can be taken to prevent the disease?

Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing and avoiding known tsetse fly habitats, although insect repellents are not very effective.

What efforts have been made to control sleeping sickness?

Efforts include surveillance, effective treatment, and controlling tsetse flies through insecticides and traps.