Trypanosomes: African Trypanosomiasis Flashcards
1
Q
Explain the life cycle of African Trypanosomiasis
A
Tsetse fly is the vector
- bites human and inoculates the parasite
- low grade parasite in blood and lymphatics
- CNS dissemination (weeks for rhodesiense, years for gambiense
- “sleeping sickness” meningoencephalits
2
Q
What are the clinical manifestations of
African Trypanosomiasis?
A
SLOW manifestation
- fever, lymphadenopathy (post cervical nodes - Winterbottom’s sign)
- headache, lethargy
- behavioral change, later
- sleep progressing to coma
3
Q
How do you diagnose African Trypanosomiasis?
A
Microscopic exam of blood, CSF, marrow - Canchre fluid - Lymph node aspiration - CSF centrifuge Antigen detection and Ab tests being developed
4
Q
How do you treat African Trypanosomiasis?
A
Punt it, treatment being studied
5
Q
How do you prevent African Trypanosomiasis?
A
No successful prophylaxis or vaccine
- attempting to decrease tsetse vectors, but difficult
