Study GuideMicrobiology–Diseases of the Nervous System1.Other Diseases of the Nervous SystemSome nervous system diseases are caused byprotozoaorunusual infectious agentsthat affectthe brain and nerves over time. These diseases often develop slowly and can be difficult to treat.1.1Sleeping Sickness (Trypanosomiasis)Sleeping sickness, also calledtrypanosomiasis, is caused by aprotozoan parasitefrom the genusTrypanosoma.African Sleeping SicknessThe African form of the disease is caused byTrypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted to humans throughthe bite of thetsetse fly.Once inside the body, the parasite infects thebloodand later spreads to thenervous system.Common symptoms include:•Headache•Extreme tiredness (lassitude)•Tremors•Poor coordination and unsteady movementsDoctors can diagnose the disease by examiningblood smears, where the parasites can be seen.Treatment is available, and commonly used drugs includepentamidineandsuramin.1.2South American Sleeping Sickness (Chagas’ Disease)The South American form of sleeping sickness is known asChagas’ disease. It is caused byTrypanosoma cruziand is transmitted bytriatomid bugs(sometimes called kissing bugs).Preview Mode
This document has 7 pages. Sign in to access the full document!