ABSTRACT
Trypanosomiasis occurs in Africa, where it is due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and T. brucei rhodesiense, and in South America, where it is due to T. cruzi. Infection is spread by vectors, tsetse flies in Africa and triatomine bugs in South America. Clinical manifestations vary between species. In humans, African trypanosomiasis waves of parasitemia in the bloodstream are followed by central nervous system (CNS) invasion. In South-American trypanosomiasis, called Chagas disease, there is tissue infection and inflammation, principally damaging the heart and gastrointestinal (GI) tracts in those who develop complications. Treatments have toxicity, but newer agents and drug combinations have improved efficacy. Diagnosis, treatment and vector control projects have been associated with dramatic declines in case numbers over the past few decades.
