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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?
What is the characteristic of the fevers in sleeping sickness?
What is the characteristic of the fevers in sleeping sickness?
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?
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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