Human African trypanosomiasis

摘要: Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) occurs in sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, transmitted tsetse flies. Almost all cases are due to brucei gambiense, which indigenous west and central Prevalence strongly dependent on control measures, often neglected during periods of political instability, thus leading resurgence. With fewer than 12 000 this disabling fatal disease reported per year, belongs most tropical diseases. The clinical presentation complex, diagnosis treatment difficult. available drugs old, complicated administer, can cause severe adverse reactions. New diagnostic methods safe effective urgently needed. Vector control, reduce number flies existing foci, needs be organised a pan-African basis. WHO has stated that if national programmes, international organisations, research institutes, philanthropic partners engage concerted action, elimination might even possible.