About Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the causative agent of the chronic form of Human African Trypanosomiasis: some findings and proposals

Abstract

Since its discovery at the beginning of 20th century, Human African Trypanosomiasis or sleeping 
sickness has killed several hundred thousands of individuals in Africa, mainly in Central part of the 
continent. The actual situation of the disease in several countries is dramatic, such as in Sudan, 
Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola. However, diagnosis is still based on the detection of 
parasites in blood or lymphatic juice by microscopy, like in 1930's. Furthermore, since the discovery of 
melarsoprol in 1949, no novel drugs have been synthesized for treatment. This must consider it within 
the whole context of "most-neglected diseases" but some findings obtained through biotechnology are 
discussed in terms of epidemiology and control applications