About Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the causative agent of the chronic form of Human African Trypanosomiasis: some findings and proposals

Since its discovery at the beginning of 20th century, Human African Trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness has killed several hundred thousands of individuals in Africa, mainly in Central part of the continent. The actual situation of the disease in several countries is dramatic, such as in Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola. However, diagnosis is still based on the detection of parasites in blood or lymphatic juice by microscopy, like in 1930's. Furthermore, since the discovery of melarsoprol in 1949, no novel drugs have been synthesized for treatment. This must consider it within the whole context of "most-neglected diseases" but some findings obtained through biotechnology are discussed in terms of epidemiology and control applications. Key words : Human African Trypanosomiasis, neglected disease, biotechnologies. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (12), pp. 657-661, December 2003