African trypanosomiasis

trypanosomiasis /try·pano·so·mi·a·sis/ (tri-pan″o-so-mi´ah-sis) infection with trypanosomes.

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African trypanosomiasis  human trypanosomiasis endemic in areas of tropical Africa, due to infection with Trypanosoma gambiense (Gambian t.) or T. rhodesiense (Rhodesian t.); it is transmitted by the bite of species of Glossina (tsetse flies) and in advanced stage attacks the central nervous system, resulting in meningoencephalitis that leads to lethargy, tremors, convulsions, and eventually coma and death.

South American trypanosomiasis  Chagas' disease.

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African trypanosomiasis

n.

Either of two types of an often fatal, endemic infectious disease of humans and animals in tropical Africa: Gambian trypanosomiasis or Rhodesian trypanosomiasis.

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African trypanosomiasis,

a disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (West African or Gambian trypanosomiasis) or T. brucei rhodesiense (East African or Rhodesian trypanosomiasis), transmitted to humans by the bite of the tsetse fly. African trypanosomiasis occurs only in the savannahs and woodlands of central and east Africa, where tsetse flies are found. The disease progresses through two phases: Stage 1 is marked by fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and myocarditis. Stage 2 is marked by symptoms of central nervous system involvement, including lethargy, sleepiness, headache, convulsions, and coma. The disease is fatal unless treated, though it may be years before the patient reaches the neurologic phase. Antimicrobial medications specific for the treatment of trypanosomiasis (suramin sodium, pentamidine isothionate, organic arsenicals difluoromethylorthinine, and eflornithine) are available in the United States only from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kinds of African trypanosomiasis are Gambian trypanosomiasis and Rhodesian trypanosomiasis. Also called African sleeping sickness, sleeping sickness. See also trypanosomiasis.

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trypanosomiasis [tri-pan″o-so-mi´ah-sis]

infection with trypanosomes.

African trypanosomiasis an often fatal disease of Africa caused by Trypanosoma gambiense or T. rhodesiense and involving the central nervous system. The parasites are transmitted to human beings from cattle or other animals by the bite of the tsetse fly. Usually the first symptom is inflammation at the site of the bite, appearing within 48 hours. Within several weeks the parasites invade the blood and lymph, and eventually they attack the central nervous system. Characteristic symptoms include intermittent fever, rapid heartbeat, and enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen. In the advanced stage of the disease there are personality changes, apathy, sleepiness, disturbances of speech and gait, and severe emaciation.



Pharmacologic treatment should begin as soon as possible and is based on lab results and patient symptoms. suramin, pentamidine isethionate, and melarsoprol are the most common medications used. Pentamidine isethionate or suramin may be injected to remove parasites from the blood or lymph nodes before onset of disease, but the most effective preventive measure is eradication of the tsetse fly.

American trypanosomiasis (South American trypanosomiasis) a form found from the southern United States south into South America, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi; it is transmitted to humans from wild animals by means of the feces of a blood-sucking bug. The parasites multiply around the points of entry before entering the blood and eventually attacking the heart, brain, and other tissues. Called also Chagas' disease.



The acute form often attacks children. Early symptoms include swelling of the eyelids and the development of a hard, red, painful nodule on the skin. Enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen occurs, along with inflammation of the heart muscle, psychic changes, and general debility. In adults the chronic form often resembles heart disease.

The control strategy suggested by the World Health Organization is to interrupt transmission of the disease by the vectors and to systematically screen blood donors. Preventive measures, such as the wearing of protective clothing and the use of insecticides, are of primary importance. Medication with antiprotozoal agents is usually effective when administered during the acute stage of infection.

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African trypanosomiasis (aˑ·fri·kn tri·paˑ·n·s·mīˑ·sis),

n.pr parasite-induced blood and neurological disease contracted by the tsetse fly bite. Often fatal if not treated.

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African

pertaining to or originating in Africa.

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African buffalo

includes black Cape buffalo, red Congo buffalo and red-brown varieties from Abyssinia to Niger. See also buffalo.

African clawed toad

see Xenopus laevis.

African daisy

see Seneciopterophorus.

African elephant

Loxodonta africana. See elephant.

African farcy

epizootic lymphangitis.

African glanders

see epizootic lymphangitis.

African green monkey

Cercopithecusaethiops.

African horse sickness

a highly infectious, fatal disease of horses, donkeys and mules. It is caused by an orbivirus transmitted by mosquitoes and possibly Culicoides sp. The clinical picture includes an acute pulmonary form manifested by dyspnea, cough and profuse nasal discharge, and a subacute, cardiac form in which the principal signs are edema of the head and internally, oral petechiation and esophageal paralysis. The mortality rate is very high.

African horse sickness, pulmonary form. By permission from Knottenbelt DC, Pascoe RR, Diseases and Disorders of the Horse, Saunders, 2003

African lion hound

see Rhodesian ridgeback.

African milk bush

Synadenium arborescens.

African mouth breeder

African freshwater tropical fish distinguished by their behavior of carrying the fertilized eggs in their mouths. Called also Tilapia macrocephala.

African pig disease

see African swine fever (below).

African pygmy pig

see miniature pig.

African redwood

see Mansonia altissima.

African rue

see Peganumharmala.

African star grass

Cynodonnlemfuensis.

African swine fever

a peracute, highly contagious, highly fatal disease of pigs caused by African swine fever virus, previously a member of the family Iridoviridae, now the only member of the genus Asfivirus. The virus is carried by wart hogs in which it produces no disease and is transmitted to European pigs via the tick Ornithodoros moubata porcinus. The disease was originally confined to southern Africa, but is now enzootic in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread on occasion to Europe, including Spain, Portugal and Belgium, and also to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Currently the disease is eradicated from South America and the Caribbean countries but remains on the Iberian peninsula and Sardinia. The disease resembles classical swine fever (hog cholera). Clinically there is high fever, severe depression, purple skin discoloration, incoordination and posterior paresis. Death occurs about 2 days after the first signs of illness. In recent times the proportion of outbreaks which have been mild in severity has increased markedly.

African trypanosomiasis

nagana. See trypanosomiasis.

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Patient discussion about African trypanosomiasis.

Q. Need Help.I could not enjoy the blessings of nature. I have sleep problem which affects me to a great extent. Hi friends, I need your help. I could not enjoy the blessings of nature. I have sleep problem which affects me to a great extent. Is there any remedy that I can try other than sleeping pills?

A. Many things can interfere with sleep ranging from anxiety to an unusual work schedule. But people who have difficulty in sleeping often discover that their daily routine holds the key to night-time woes.

? Cut down on caffeine.
? Stop smoking or chewing tobacco.
? Use alcohol cautiously
? Avoid a sedentary life
? Improve your sleep surroundings.
? Keep a regular schedule
? Keep a sleep diary
? Use strategic naps

If you try all the above suggestions and still have sleep problem, talk to your health-care provider.