African sleeping sickness is caused by Trypanosoma ______________ but not by Trypanosoma _____________.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two main species of Trypanosoma that are relevant to African sleeping sickness.
2. Recall that African sleeping sickness is also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT).
3. Understand that the disease is transmitted by the tsetse fly, which is found in sub-Saharan Africa.
4. Recognize that the two species of Trypanosoma responsible for African sleeping sickness are Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
5. Note that Trypanosoma cruzi is not responsible for African sleeping sickness; it causes Chagas disease in South America.

Key Concepts

Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite responsible for African sleeping sickness, a disease transmitted by the tsetse fly. It exists in several subspecies, with T. brucei gambiense causing a chronic form and T. brucei rhodesiense causing an acute form. Understanding its life cycle and transmission is crucial for comprehending the disease's epidemiology and control measures.

Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi is another species of Trypanosoma, but it is the causative agent of Chagas disease, primarily found in the Americas. Unlike T. brucei, T. cruzi is transmitted by triatomine bugs and has different clinical manifestations and life cycle characteristics. Recognizing the distinction between these two species is essential for diagnosing and treating the respective diseases they cause.

Transmission and Life Cycle

The transmission and life cycle of Trypanosoma species are critical for understanding their pathogenicity. T. brucei is transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies, while T. cruzi is spread through contact with feces of triatomine bugs. Each species has adapted to its vector and host environment, influencing disease prevalence and control strategies.