Answered: Why do two forms of sleeping sickness…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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Why do two forms of sleeping sickness exist? How do they
differ?

Expert Solution

Step 1 Introduction

Sleeping sickness is a disease also known as human African trypanosomiasis caused by parasitic protozoa. This parasite is a member of the Trypanosoma genus of protozoa. Humans and animals are a reservoir for this protozoa and are spread from infected individuals to healthy ones via the tsetse fly bite. Ths disease includes symptoms like mood change, anxiety, fever, insomnia at night and sleepiness during the day time, headache, etc.

Step 2 Explanation

Sleeping sickness has two forms that depend upon the type of parasite involved in infection. The two parasites are Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

The infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense accounts for 98 % of the total cases of sleeping sickness. This form of sleeping sickness is chronic. The major symptoms or signs may arise after several months or years of infection. When the major symptoms arise patients are often in advanced disease stage. The central nervous system is affected when the disease reaches its advanced stage. This form is reported in 24 countries of west and central Africa.
The infection caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense accounts for only 2% of the total sleeping sickness cases. This form of the disease is acute. The signs and symptoms are presented within a few weeks or months of infection. This form of sleeping sickness develops rapidly and affects the central nervous system. this form is found in 14 countries of eastern and southern Africa.

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