African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms

African trypanosomiasis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating African trypanosomiasis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT Scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms
CDC on African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms
African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms in the news
Blogs on African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms
Directions to Hospitals Treating African trypanosomiasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for African trypanosomiasis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Pilar Almonacid

Overview

The clinical course of human African trypanosomiasis has two stages. In the first stage, the parasite is found in the peripheral circulation, but it has not yet invaded the central nervous system. Once the parasite crosses the blood-brain barrier and infects the central nervous system, the disease enters the second stage. The subspecies that cause African trypanosomiasis have different rates of disease progression, and the clinical features depend on which form of the parasite (T. b. rhodesiense or T. b. gambiense) is causing the infection. However, infection with either form will eventually lead to coma and death if not treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of African trypanosomiasis include:

	Symptoms
Systemic	Sweating Anxiety Fever
First stage (hemo-lyphatic stage)	Headaches Joint pains and itching
Second stage (neurological or meningo-encephalic stage)	Changes of behaviour Confusion Sensory disturbances Poor coordination Disturbance of the sleep cycle,

The subspecies that cause African trypanosomiasis have different rates of disease progression, and the clinical features depend on which form of the parasite (T. b. rhodesiense or T. b. gambiense) is causing the infection.

Pathogen	Progression	Symptoms
		First stage	Second stage
T. b. rhodesiense infection (East African sleeping sickness)	Rapid (1-2 weeks)	A large sore (a chancre) will develop at the site of the tsetse bite Fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and enlarged lymph node	Mental deterioration and other neurologic problems. Death ensues usually within months
T. b. gambiense infection (West African sleeping sickness)	Slow (1-2 years)	Intermittent fevers, headaches, muscle and joint aches, and malaise. Itching of the skin, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss	Personality changes, daytime sleepiness with nighttime sleep disturbance, and progressive confusion Other neurologic signs, such as partial paralysis or problems with balance or walking may occur, as well as hormonal imbalances The course of untreated infection rarely lasts longer than 6-7 years and more often kills in about 3 years.