African Sleeping Sickness

African Sleeping SicknessLexus DennisBiology 155Dr. D. OHaganWayne County Community CollegeAfricAN SLEEPING SICKNESSAfrican TrypanosomiasisResults in swelling of the brainUsually caught through a bite from an infected flyRisk factors include living in parts of Africa where the disease is found and being bitten by tsetse flies. The diseasedoes not occurin the United States. But travelers who have visited or lived in Africa can have the infection.Caused by two protozas Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosomoa brucei gambiense. (The more severe form of the illness is caused by T. b. rhodesiense.)SymptomsAnxietyDrowsiness during the dayFeverHeadacheInsomnia at nightMood changesSleepiness (may be uncontrollable)SweatingSwollen lymph nodes all over the bodySwollen, red, painful nodule at site of fly biteWeakness

Living with African Sleeping sicknessDiagnosisA physical exam may show signs of inflammation of the brain and its coveringBlood smearCerebrospinal fluid testsComplete blood count (CBC)Lymph node aspiration

TreatmentsEflornithine (for T. b. gambiense only)MelarsoprolPentamidine (for T. b. gambiense only)Suramin (Antrypol)Some patients may receive combination therapy

What African Sleeping Sickness looks like