Trypanosoma

Krithiga.B
M.Sc.Zoology
Madras Christian College
Scientific classification
• Phylum: Protozoa
• Subphylum: Sarcomastigophora
• Superclass: Mastigophora
• Class: Zoomastigophora
• Order: Kinetoplastida
• Genus: Trypanosoma
• Parasitic in the blood of most vertebrates like fishes,
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammala.
• Causes Trypanosomiasis.
• 3 species- pathogenic in man
− T.ganbiense, T.rhodesiense and T.cruzi.
− T.ganbiense & T.rhodesiense – Sleeping sickness in
Africa,
− T.cruzi – Chagas’ disease in South America.
• Vectors – invertebrate blood sucking animals like
insects and leeches.
 Trypanosoma gambiense
• Distribution
− Central and West Africa,
Nigeria, Congo and Central
America.
− Areas near rivers and lakes
having low marshy land (insect
vector inhabits in these
areas).
• Habit and Habitat
− As a parasite in the blood, lymph, lymph nodes,
spleen or CSF in man,
− In the intestine of blood sucking fly Glossina
palpalis (tsetse fly).
Polymorphic forms of Trypanosoma
Locomotion

• Wavy movement of the undulating membrane and by

the flagellum.
Nutrition

• Saprozoic.
• Feeds by osmotrophy in the blod and tissue fluids of
the host.
• Digests sugars by enzyme action.
• Nourishment is absorbed though the general body
surface from the blood and intracellular fluids of the
tissues.
Respiration

• Anaerobic.
• Absorbed glucose  glycolysis energy for metabolic
activities.
Excretion

• Diffusion – through its pellicle or general body surface.

Reproduction
• Asexually by longitudinal binary fission.
• Sexual reproduction is not known in this
species.
Life cycle

• 2 host – digenetic.
• Primary vertebrate host – man.
• Secondary invertebrate host – tsetse fly (Glossina
palpalis)
• Lives harmlessly in the blood of antelopes.
Transmission

• Mechanical or direct transmission

• Cyclical transmission
Reservoirs
• Harmless to wild antelopes, pigs, buffaloes, etc.
• Hence act as reservoir hosts.
Pathogenicity and Symptoms

• Bite of the infected fly  itching and irritation near

the wound – dark red lesion develops.
• In blood, parasite multiplies and absorbs nutrients.
• After few days  fever & headache  increasing
weakness, loss of weight and anaemia.
• Parasites  lymphatic glands  infection – swelling 
CSF and brain - sleeping sickness like condition –
lethargic condition, recurrence of fever.
Disease

• Causes Trypanosomiasis – sleeping sickness – coma –

death.
• 2 types – Gambian & Rhodesian.
• Gambian – western part of Africa – G.palpalis.
• Rhodesian – rest of Africa – G.morsitans more rapid
in causing death (3-4 months)
Diagnosis

• Examination of
− fresh or stained peripheral blood, or
− CSF obtained by lumbar puncture, or
− Extract of enlarged lymphatic glands.
Treatment
• Arsenic and antimony compounds
− Now rarely used except for late stages when the parasites
have invaded the CNS.
• Bayer 205 (Antrypol, Germanin, Suramin)
• Pentamidine or Lomidine
− For treatment and prophylaxix of human infection.
− Low in toxicity, effective in treatment and prevents
reinfection for several months.
Prophylaxis

• Eradication of vectors
− Endemic areas should be kept clean and regular
spray of insecticides is suggested.
• Reservoir hosts – should be free from the infection.
• Preventive medicines
Thank you 