*Trypanosoma brucei* evades the host immune system by changing its surface proteins to over 100 different types to allow the pathogen to survive and spread. 

Virulence factors of *Trypanosoma brucei*

Hallmark symptoms of Human African trypanosomiasis are Winterbottom's sign which are swollen or enlarged lymph nodes on the back of the neck and a chancre at the site of infection. It also causes daytime sleepiness and mental deterioration. 

Signs and Symptoms of Human African trypanosomiasis

The life cycle of *Trypanosoma brucei* occurs in both tsetse flies and humans. When an infected tsetse fly feeds on a human, it injects the parasite into the bloodstream, where it multiplies by binary fission in the blood, lymph, and spinal fluid. When another tsetse fly feeds on the infected host, it ingests the parasites, which then multiply by binary fission in the fly's midgut before transforming into an infectious stage that colonizes the salivary glands.

Trypanosoma brucei Life Cycle

*Trypanosoma brucei* is a parasitic protozoan that causes African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness). It is transmitted to hosts via the bite of a tsetse fly (*Glossina* spp.) and subsequently colonizes the bloodstream and the brain, leading to symptoms such as confusion, sleep disturbances, and coordination loss, which are fatal if left untreated.

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East African trypanosomiasis is caused by *Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense* and it is less commonly reported compared to West African trypanosomiasis. 

East African trypanosomiasis

West African trypanosomiasis is a more commonly reported disease and is more chronic compared to East African trypanosomiasis. It is caused by *Trypanosoma brucei gambiense* transmission. 

West African trypanosomiasis

Trypanosoma is a genus of euglenozoans containing parasites that cause African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease.

Trypanosoma

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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*Trypanosoma brucei*

*Trypanosoma cruzi* is a parasitic flagellated protozoan that causes American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), which is a tropical disease transmitted to humans through the bites of insect vectors.

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