True or False: The symptomology of HAT is similar for both Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the symptoms associated with human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) caused by two different subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei, namely rhodesiense and gambiense, are similar or not.
Answer
False
False. While both Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense can cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), the symptomology is not identical. T. b. rhodesiense causes an acute form with rapid progression, while T. b. gambiense results in a chronic form with slower progression.
Answer for screen readers
False. While both Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense can cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), the symptomology is not identical. T. b. rhodesiense causes an acute form with rapid progression, while T. b. gambiense results in a chronic form with slower progression.
More Information
The acute form caused by T. b. rhodesiense progresses quickly, often to death within 6 months without treatment, while T. b. gambiense's form progresses over years and is prevalent in West and Central Africa.
Tips
Students often mistake the nature of the disease progression between the subspecies. Remember that rhodesiense progresses much faster than gambiense.
Sources
- Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) - who.int
- African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) - Canada.ca - canada.ca
- Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
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