Trypanosoma brucei gambiense/rhodesiense

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Protozoan hemoflagellate, agent of human African sleeping sickness.
  • Trypanosoma brucei complex, of which two subspecies exist:
    • T. b. gambiense causes West African sleeping sickness
    • T. b. rhodesiense causes East African sleeping sickness
  • Trypanosomes cause zoonotic infections in cattle and other animals, transmitted by the painful bite of the tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans; Fig. 1), which is not preventable with DEET, typically in rural areas of Africa.
    • Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (g-HAT): humans are the only known significant reservoir; hence, efforts are focused on eradication.
      • Other modes of transmission are possible, but probably rare: vertical (mother → child), sexual contact, laboratory-related, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation.
    • Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (r-HAT): domesticated and wild animals may be reservoirs.

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Last updated: June 12, 2025