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The condition is usually mild at first but can rapidly worsen if left untreated
Scientists across the world have warned about a resurgence of a deadly disease that can alter sufferers' personalities and has the potential to spread outside Africa. Popularly known as sleeping sickness or African trypanosomiasis, the condition leads to difficulties in sleeping at night.
According to experts, the condition is usually mild at first but can rapidly worsen if left untreated. A hallmark of the disease is disrupted sleep patterns—and so the term sleeping sickness has been coined, as sufferers may sleep during the day and struggle with severe insomnia at night.
Without treatment, the condition can progress to cause confusion, uncontrollable aggression, psychosis, and ultimately death.
Parasites that cause trypanosomiasis to spread outside Africa
According to a new study published in Nature Journal, the parasites responsible have evolved, which means the disease could spread beyond Africa. Until now, they used tsetse flies in sub-Saharan Africa to move around. The flies carry these parasites and pass infection when they bite a human or animal.
Led by scientists from the University of Edinburgh, the study found genetic mutations in parasites that simplify their life cycle. And so they can easily infect other animals directly without needing the tsetse fly as a go-between. Scientists say the strains of these evolved parasites have already been found in animals in Asia, South America, and southern Europe.
“Trypanosomes have found ways to expand their geographic range by excluding the tsetse fly from their life cycle,” explained Professor Keith Matthews, who co-led the study. “The molecular changes they exhibit can allow us to detect the emergence of these virulent parasites that threaten both cattle and, potentially, humans,” he added.
Gene-edited technology maps the family tree of parasites
A gene-editing technology was used by researchers to study over 80 parasite samples that were collected from people, animals, and ticks. By mapping a “family tree” of the parasites, they have been able to identify multiple mutations in key genes that enable this evolutionary leap.
The findings highlight the role of climate change and human interventions—like efforts to control tsetse fly populations—in driving these changes. Experts say since parasites are no longer tied to their original insect hosts, their spread could accelerate.
Signs and symptoms of trypanosomiasis
A few signs and symptoms of trypanosomiasis include:
- A swollen and discoloured - red, purple, or brown bump that may be painful
- Recurrent high fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Anemia
- Swelling in your face and lymph nodes
- Feeling drowsy during the daytime
- Confusion or not being able to concentrate
- Difficulty walking and talking
Is there a cure for trypanosomiasis?
Doctors say an early diagnosis and proper treatment can help cure trypanosomiasis. While the infection is curable, treatment depends on what type of protozoa caused the infection and whether the infection has spread to other areas of your body. If trypanosomiasis has not spread to your brain or cerebrospinal fluid, a healthcare provider may prescribe:
- Suramin
- Fexinidazole
Experts say it is extremely important that you take your full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. If you don’t, trypanosomiasis can come back and be more difficult to treat.
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