Human trypanosomiases are commonly known as sleeping sickness in Africa and Chagas disease in South America. The first case of human trypanosomiasis has now been discovered in India. The specialist investigations conducted, at the request of WHO and the Maharashtra Public Health Department, India, by an IRD scientist (1), has led to the identification of the parasite and the treatment of the patient, a farmer from the State of Maharashtra. He proved to be infected by Trypanosoma evansi, a trypanosome which is usually a parasite of various animals, particularly cattle. The mode of infection has not yet been clearly determined, but the discovery of this first human case of T. evansi raises questions both as to the evolution and adaptation of the parasite and on the real size of the problem. >>> Discuss This Story
