DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

HIGH SEVERITY

A parasitic disease transmitted by tsetse flies, caused by Trypanosoma brucei parasites. Affects rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Two forms exist: T.b. gambiense (West/Central Africa, chronic) and T.b. rhodesiense (East/Southern Africa, acute). Without treatment, fatal.

Global Affected

1.0M

Countries

33

Symptoms

Fever
Headache
Joint pain
Itching
Swollen lymph nodes (Winterbottom's sign)
Sleep disturbances
Daytime sleepiness
Nighttime insomnia
Personality changes
Confusion
Seizures
Coma
Death if untreated

Treatment Options

Fexinidazole (oral, first-line)
NECT (nifurtimox + eflornithine)
Pentamidine (early stage T.b. gambiense)
Suramin (early stage T.b. rhodesiense)
Melarsoprol (late stage, toxic)
Eflornithine monotherapy
Supportive care
Nutritional support
Rehabilitation

Risk Factors

1Tsetse fly bites
2Living in endemic rural areas
3Agricultural work
4Fishing
5Visiting game reserves
6Contact with wild animals
7Lack of protective clothing
8Outdoor exposure

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Microscopic examination (blood, lymph)
  • 2Lumbar puncture (CSF examination)
  • 3CATT (card agglutination test)
  • 4Molecular tests (PCR)
  • 5Lymph node aspiration
  • 6Clinical staging
  • 7Sleep studies

Prognosis

Fatal without treatment. Early-stage treatment successful in over 95% of cases. Late-stage treatment more difficult and dangerous. Neurological damage may persist. Relapse possible. With modern treatments, cure rates are high. Post-treatment monitoring essential.

Prevention

  • Tsetse fly control
  • Protective clothing (neutral colors)
  • Insect repellents
  • Avoiding tsetse habitats
  • Screening populations
  • Case detection and treatment
  • Vector control programs
  • Health education

Research Status

Nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy (NECT) for T.b. gambiense. Suramin for early T.b. rhodesiense. Melarsoprol for late-stage disease (toxic). Fexinidazole new oral treatment. Screening and case detection crucial. Vector control programs.

Affected Countries

AOBJBFBICMCFTDDR CongoCGCIGQEthiopiaGAGhanaGNGWKenyaLRMaliMalawiMozambiqueNENigeriaRWSenegalSLSSSudanTGTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe

Sources

  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/human-african-trypanosomiasis
  • https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/sleepingsickness
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.