Human African trypanosomiasis of the CNS: current issues and challenges

J Clin Invest. 2004 Feb;113(4):496-504. doi: 10.1172/JCI21052.

Abstract

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. Current therapy with melarsoprol for CNS HAT has unacceptable side-effects with an overall mortality of 5%. This review discusses the issues of diagnosis and staging of CNS disease, its neuropathogenesis, and the possibility of new therapies for treating late-stage disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections* / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections* / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Trypanocidal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / metabolism
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / ultrastructure
  • Trypanosomiasis, African* / diagnosis
  • Trypanosomiasis, African* / drug therapy
  • Trypanosomiasis, African* / pathology
  • Trypanosomiasis, African* / physiopathology

Substances

  • Trypanocidal Agents