AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the transmission of Trypanosoma parasites. It is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa and is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected tsetse flies (Glossina species). The disease affects both humans and animals, with two main forms recognized: the chronic form caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and the acute form caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
The initial symptoms of African trypanosomiasis are non-specific and flu-like, including fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, patients may experience neurological symptoms such as sleeping disturbances (hence the name sleeping sickness), confusion, poor coordination, and ultimately coma, which can be fatal if left untreated.
The diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis is made by examining blood, lymph node, or cerebrospinal fluid samples for the presence of trypanosomes under a microscope. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Treatment of African trypanosomiasis depends on the disease stage and the parasite involved, as well as the patient's condition. Medications such as pentamidine, suramin, melarsoprol, and eflornithine are commonly used, but the availability and effectiveness of these drugs can vary. Vector control measures targeting tsetse flies and the use of personal protective measures, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying insect repellents, can help prevent infection in endemic areas.
Efforts to control African trypanosomiasis involve a multidimensional approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, surveillance, and vector control, as well as raising public awareness
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS
- african trypanosaomiases
- zfrican trypanosomiasis
- sfrican trypanosomiasis
- wfrican trypanosomiasis
- qfrican trypanosomiasis
- adrican trypanosomiasis
- acrican trypanosomiasis
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- agrican trypanosomiasis
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- afeican trypanosomiasis
- afdican trypanosomiasis
- affican trypanosomiasis
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- afrucan trypanosomiasis
- afrjcan trypanosomiasis
- afrkcan trypanosomiasis
Etymology of AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS
The etymology of the word "African Trypanosomiasis" is as follows:
- "African" refers to the geographical region where the disease is primarily found, Africa.
- "Trypanosomiasis" is derived from the genus name of the parasite responsible for the disease, Trypanosoma, and the word "iasis", which is derived from the Greek word "iasis" meaning "disease". "Trypanosoma" comes from the Greek words "trypanon" meaning "borer" or "poker", and "soma" meaning "body". This refers to the long, slender shape of the parasite's body.
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