Trypanosoma brucei
Trypanosoma brucei is a single-celled parasitic organism that causes sleeping sickness in humans and Nagana in animals. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of the tsetse fly, which is found in sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite exists in two main forms: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, which causes the chronic form of sleeping sickness, and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, responsible for the acute form.
Once inside the host, Trypanosoma brucei multiplies in the bloodstream and can invade the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, and treatment options include medications like pentamidine and suramin, depending on the disease stage. Early detection is crucial for effective management.