ISSN: 2161-1165

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  • Case Report   
  • Epidemiology (Sunnyvale) 2016, Vol 6(4): 258
  • DOI: 10.4172/2161-1165.1000258

Human African Trypanosomiasis: Challenges in the Diagnosis of Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense – Case Report

Tedious Sokesi1, Peter Songolo2, Freddie Masaninga2* and Olusegun Babaniyi3
1Ministry of Health, , Lusaka, Zambia
2World Health Organization, , Lusaka, Zambia
3Freelance Consultant, , Abuja, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author : Freddie Masaninga, World Health Organization (WHO), P.O. Box 32346, Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: +260 211 255322, Email: Masaningaf@who.in

Received Date: May 20, 2016 / Accepted Date: Jul 26, 2016 / Published Date: Jul 30, 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense has been known to be responsible for transmission of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Zambia for decades, affecting predominantly rural districts and communities. Despite a decline in cases of T.b. rhodesiense HAT in the country over the years, sporadic cases are still being reported in some rural areas. Despite years of dealing with the disease challenges are still being experienced on diagnosis. This article on a HAT case highlights challenges in the diagnosis of T.b. rhodesiense. Case history: A 27 year old black African male developed malaria-like symptoms and signs, followed by palpable swellings in the neck and skin rash. The patient was initially diagnosed of malaria and treated with artemether lumefantrine, according to national guidelines. The patient later developed central nervous system (CNS) manifestations and was diagnosed as bacterial meningo-enchephalitis and put on several antibiotics. Thirty five days (35) after admission Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense parasites were confirmed in the spinal fluid with fatal outcome despite commencing the patient with definitive treatment. Conclusions: The diagnosis of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense continues to experience challenges resulting into delayed treatment. Improved capacities to diagnose treat, and map the disease are vital elements to effective control in endemic areas.

Keywords: Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense; Human african trypanosomiasis (HAT); Diagnosis; Central nervous system; Zambia

Citation: Sokesi T, Songolo P, Masaninga F, Babaniyi O (2016) Human African Trypanosomiasis: Challenges in the Diagnosis of Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense – Case Report. Epidemiology (Sunnyvale) 6:258. Doi: 10.4172/2161-1165.1000258

Copyright: © 2016 Sokesi T, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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