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Questions and Answers
What is the primary vector of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and rhodesiense?
What is the primary vector of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and rhodesiense?
- Tick
- Tsetse fly (correct)
- Mosquito
- Flea
What is the characteristic of the fevers in sleeping sickness?
What is the characteristic of the fevers in sleeping sickness?
- Intermittent low-grade fever
- Constant high fever
- Recurring fevers (correct)
- Fever only at night
What is the main difference between Gambiense and Rhodesiense in terms of progression?
What is the main difference between Gambiense and Rhodesiense in terms of progression?
- It's not possible to determine
- Gambiense causes more rapid progression
- Both have similar progression
- Rhodesiense causes more rapid progression (correct)
What is the characteristic of the parasites in terms of movement?
What is the characteristic of the parasites in terms of movement?
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What is the primary site of infection after the bite of the Tsetse fly?
What is the primary site of infection after the bite of the Tsetse fly?
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What is the treatment for CNS infection in sleeping sickness?
What is the treatment for CNS infection in sleeping sickness?
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Study Notes
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and rhodesiense
- Trypanosoma brucei is a parasite that causes sleeping sickness, transmitted through the bite of the tsetse fly vector, which is found in Africa.
- There are two subspecies: T. b. gambiense, which causes West African sleeping sickness, and T. b. rhodesiense, which causes East African sleeping sickness.
Transmission and Diagnosis
- After biting, the parasites move from the blood to lymph nodes, causing cervical and axillary lymphadenopathy.
- Diagnosis is made by identifying trypomastigotes on a blood smear, typically from a finger tip.
Symptoms and Characteristics
- Sleeping sickness is a problem of the central nervous system (CNS) and spinal fluid.
- Recurrent fevers, also known as rolling undulating fevers, are a characteristic symptom.
- T. b. gambiense causes a more chronic illness, with symptoms including intermittent spiking fever, lymphadenopathy, and disruption of circadian rhythm.
- T. b. rhodesiense has a more rapid progression, with symptoms including a painful bite site, intermittent fever, and disruption of circadian rhythm.
Treatment
- Melarsoprol is used to treat CNS infections, while Suramin is used to treat blood infections.
Antigenic Variation
- The parasite has a multicolor coat, representing variable surface glycoproteins, which undergo constant antigenic variation, leading to recurrent fevers.
Parasite Characteristics
- Trypanosoma brucei is a motile parasite with a single flagella.
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