African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness) Treatment

African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness) Treatment In Trivandrum

African trypanosomiasis, commonly called sleeping sickness, is a serious parasitic disease spread by the bite of an infected tsetse fly in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by Trypanosoma brucei parasites and can lead to fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and extreme fatigue. If not treated early, the infection can spread to the brain, causing sleep problems, confusion, and even coma. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to prevent life-threatening complications.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of African Trypanosomiasis?

Symptoms of African Trypanosomiasis include:

Fever

Seizures

Headache

Muscle Pain

Skin Rush

Joint pain

Weight loss

Sleeping for long periods of the day

What causes African Trypanosomiasis?

Trypanosomiasis is caused by two types of single-celled microscopic parasites called protozoa.

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: causes the chronic form of African sleeping sickness in West and Central Africa. It progresses slowly, often taking months or years before severe symptoms appear.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense: causes the acute form of African sleeping sickness in East and Southern Africa and accounts for less than 10% of all trypanosomiasis cases.

Diagnosis of African Trypanosomiasis

The following tests can help diagnose African trypanosomiasis:

Blood Tests: During a blood test, a small sample is taken from a vein in your arm and examined under a microscope to look for parasites.

Spinal Tap: A provider will insert a needle between two spinal bones (vertebrae) in the lower part of your back (lumbar) to withdraw spinal fluid and look for parasites and other signs of infection, including a high white blood cell count.

Lymph node fluid test: A provider will use a needle to remove fluid from a lymph node and look for parasites.

Treatment options available for African trypanosomiasis

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease (early or late stage) and the Trypanosoma subspecies.

Early stage (blood and lymphatic system involvement):

In the early stage of African sleeping sickness, the parasites are present in the blood and lymphatic system. People may develop symptoms such as fever, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. At this stage, the brain has not yet been affected, making treatment more effective. Pentamidine is used to treat early-stage infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, while suramin is used for early-stage
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help prevent progression to the more severe neurological stage.

Late Stage (Central Nervous System Involvement)

In the late stage of African sleeping sickness, the infection reaches the brain and nervous system, leading to serious symptoms like disturbed sleep, confusion, personality changes, and difficulty thinking or moving. At this point, treatment is more intensive. For infections caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, doctors usually treat patients with eflornithine, often combined with nifurtimox (NECT). For Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, melarsoprol is used. Because this stage is severe and potentially life-threatening, early medical care and close monitoring are essential.