Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (tri-pan-o-so-ma bru-see-i gam-bee-en-see) is a protozoan parasite, a subspecies of the Trypanosoma brucei species, responsible for causing Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness.
Etymology
The name Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is derived from the Greek words trypanon meaning "borer" and soma meaning "body", referring to the parasite's corkscrew-like motion. Brucei is named after Sir David Bruce, a Scottish microbiologist who discovered the parasite. Gambiense refers to the region of Gambia in West Africa where this subspecies is predominantly found.
Description
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is a unicellular parasite that primarily affects humans and is transmitted through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. It is the causative agent of the chronic form of sleeping sickness, which progresses slowly and can be fatal if left untreated.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense involves two hosts: the tsetse fly and the human. In the human host, the parasite multiplies in the bloodstream and invades various tissues, including the central nervous system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of sleeping sickness.
Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms of sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense include fever, headaches, joint pains, and itching. In the second stage of the disease, the patient may experience changes in behavior, confusion, sensory disturbances, poor coordination, and disruption of the sleep cycle.
Treatment for sleeping sickness is dependent on the stage of the disease. Drugs such as Pentamidine and Suramin are used in the first stage, while Melarsoprol and Eflornithine are used in the second stage.
Related Terms
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