Trypanosomiasis or trypanosomosis is the name of several diseases in vertebrates caused by parasitic protozoan trypanosomes of the genus Trypanosoma.

Human African trypanosomiasis, which is caused by either Trypanosoma brucei gambiense or Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, is presently estimated to threaten over 40 million people in sub-Saharan Africa,[1] especially in rural areas and populations affected by war or poverty.

[5] The tsetse fly bite erupts into a red chancre sore and within a few weeks, the person can experience fever, swollen lymph glands, blood in urine, aching muscles and joints, headaches and irritability.

In the first phase, the patient has only intermittent bouts of fever with lymphadenopathy together with other non-specific signs and symptoms.

The second stage of the disease is marked by involvement of the central nervous system with extensive neurological effects like changes in personality, alteration of the biological clock (the circadian rhythm), confusion, slurred speech, seizures and difficulty in walking and talking.

One common way in which trypanosomiasis can be diagnosed in humans is through the detection of antibodies against trypanosomes made by host organisms.

Within a matter of minutes, a researcher or public health professional can determine whether someone has made these antibodies and therefore is infected with trypanosomes.

In this test, which has a sensitivity of between 40 and 80 percent, a healthcare worker will first find a cervical lymph node which is enlarged.

[6][9] Once the healthcare worker has punctured that lymph node, its aspirate is examined under a microscope for trypanosomes to confirm diagnosis.

The main approaches to controlling African trypanosomiasis are to reduce the reservoirs of infection and the presence of the tsetse fly.

Diagnosis should be made as early as possible and before the advanced stage to avoid complicated, difficult and risky treatment procedures.

[citation needed] Stage I of the condition is usually treated with pentamidine or suramin through intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion if sufficient observation is possible.

Stage II of the disease is typically treated with melarsoprol or eflornithine preferably introduced to the body intravenously.

[13] As a result, large increases of population associated with expansion into woody habitats often coincides with trypanosomiasis epidemics.

[13] However, the reservoirs used differ based on subspecies of trypanosoma protozoans and thus the variants of trypanosomiasis disease.