Trypanosoma brucei
Trypanosoma brucei
Trypanosoma brucei (pronunciation: tri-pan-o-so-ma bru-see-i) is a species of parasitic protozoan belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. The organism is known for causing human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, and animal trypanosomiasis, or nagana in domestic animals.
Etymology
The name "Trypanosoma" is derived from the Greek words "trypano" (borer) and "soma" (body) due to the organism's corkscrew-like motion. "Brucei" is named after Sir David Bruce, a Scottish microbiologist who discovered the parasite.
Description
Trypanosoma brucei is a unicellular parasite that primarily affects mammals. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The parasite exists in two major forms: the bloodstream form present in the host's circulatory system and the procyclic form found in the insect vector.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei involves two hosts: a human or animal host and a tsetse fly. The parasite is transmitted to the mammalian host when an infected tsetse fly bites the host to feed on its blood. Inside the host, the parasites multiply and spread throughout the body, causing various symptoms.
Symptoms and Treatment
In humans, the infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei, known as sleeping sickness, can result in a range of symptoms from fever and headaches to changes in behavior and disruption of the sleep cycle. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Treatment for human African trypanosomiasis involves the use of specific anti-trypanosomal drugs. The choice of drug depends on the stage of the disease.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trypanosoma brucei
- Wikipedia's article - Trypanosoma brucei
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