B56: African trypanosomiasis
African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a group of infectious diseases caused by parasites called Trypanosoma that are transmitted through the bites of infected tsetse flies. There are two types of the disease, depending on the parasite: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, causing a chronic and more common form, and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, causing an acute and less frequent form. Common symptoms include fever, headache, joint pains, and itching in the early stage. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms may occur, such as behavioral changes, poor coordination, and disruption of the sleep cycle, providing the disease its common name. Both types of African trypanosomiasis primarily affect the nervous system, leading to severe neurological disorders if not treated promptly.
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