African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (12), pp. 657-661, December 2003

ISSN 1684-5315  © 2003 Academic Journals

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

P. Truc ^1,2

¹Organisation de Coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Department of Research and Control of Human African Trypanosomiasis, BP 288, Yaounde, Cameroon.

²Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD, Research Unit 35 BP 1857, Yaounde, Cameroon. E-mail: truc@iccnet.cm, Tel: + 237 984 60 57.

Accepted 20 November 2003  

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.