Chapter 20, Problem 10SA

Summary Introduction

To answer:

The feature in the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei that makes it difficult to develop a successful vaccine.

Introduction:

Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan that causes a disease called African sleeping sickness. It is fatal, if not treated properly. The disease is spread by the bite of a vector tsetse fly. The initial symptoms of the disease appear in less than a week after the insect bite. It is characterized by fever, headaches and lymph glands becoming swollen. In the later stages, the protozoan affects the central nervous system, causes changes in circadian rhythm and problems in talking and walking.