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Trypanosoma spp
- epidemiology
- classification and characteristics
- transmission and infection
- clinical manifestations
- diagnosis
- treatment
- resources and references
Epidemiology
Classification and Characteristics
flagellate
Transmission and Infection
Tse-tse fly in Africa
Reduvid bug in South America
Host Defenses
Trypanosomes are attacked by antibodies, complement, and frustrated phagocytosis. However, most of the immune response is against the surface coat of variable surface glycoprotein. Periodic gene rearrangement and coat shedding leads to episodic disease.
Clinical Manifesations
trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness in Africa; Chagas disease in South America)
fever, encephalitis, cardiac complications with Chagas disease
Diagnosis
blood smears
serology
Treatment