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Trypanosoma gambiense and Trypanosoma rhodesiense
Trypanosoma gambiense and Trypanosoma rhodesiense are pathogenic hemoflagellate protozoan parasites that cause human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Both species are transmitted by infected tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) and invade the bloodstream before affecting the lymphatic system and central nervous system. Although they share a similar life cycle, they differ in their geographic distribution, disease progression, and clinical presentation.
Trypanosoma gambiense
Trypanosoma gambiense causes Gambian sleeping sickness in humans. It is a polymorphic organism and is transmitted by Glossina spp. In the vector, development occurs in the anterior station.
Gambian sleeping sickness is a chronic disease of humans. Initially, there is invasion of the bloodstream, followed by the lymph nodes and finally the central nervous system. It produces leptomeningitis and perivascular infiltrates around blood vessels.
The disease can be diagnosed by demonstrating the parasites in the blood, lymph nodes, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Trypanosoma rhodesiense
Trypanosoma rhodesiense causes Rhodesian sleeping sickness in humans. It is also a polymorphic organism and is transmitted by tsetse flies. T. rhodesiense produces a clinical disease that is more acute than the Gambian form of the disease.
