Introduction into African Trypansosmiasis
Cause of the African Trypanosomiasis
African Trypanosomiasis, also known as "sleeping sickness," is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. The parasites are carried by the tsetse fly which is only found in rural Africa. Historically African Trypanosomiasis has been a serious public health in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, about 10,000 new cases of the disease are reported each year to the World Health organization. It is believed that there are many added cases that go undiagnosed and unreported. Tsetse flies are like house flies, their size ranges from 8 to 17mm. The flies are attracted to hang around the unclean water, dirty environments and also the humid temperature of Africa.
Types of African Trypanosomiasis
There are two different types of the African Trypanosomiasis disease, they are called Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Gambiense found in 24 countries in west central Africa accounts for over 98% of reported cases of sleeping sickness and also causes chronic infection. A person with this strain can remain infected for months or years without any major symptoms of the disease. When these symptoms do occur the patient is often already in an advanced stage where the disease has spread onto the central nervous system.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense found in 13 countries in eastern and southern Africa is the form, which represents under 2% of reported cases. Symptoms and signs of the disease are shown within the first months or weeks after infection. The disease develops fast and invades the central nervous system. Only Uganda presents both forms of disease.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense found in 13 countries in eastern and southern Africa is the form, which represents under 2% of reported cases. Symptoms and signs of the disease are shown within the first months or weeks after infection. The disease develops fast and invades the central nervous system. Only Uganda presents both forms of disease.