Trypanosoma brucei

The article "Sleeping Sickness Parasite has a weak spot in its tail” by Catherine Brahic, is a very brief summary about a parasite,Trypanosoma brucei, passed to humans from the tsetse fly. The sleeping sickness is responsible for 50,000 deaths a year in Africa. Brahic states that they have discovered that the parasite cannot reproduce if its whip-like tail or "flagellum" stops working. Although they are still unsure, as to why the flagellum exists. Keith Gull of Oxford University has a theory, that it assists the parasite to split in two when multiplying in the bloodstream. Brahic explains that these findings have opened the doors for more drug development. She stated that the current available drugs are out dated, and cause terrible side effects. Researchers have identified 330 proteins that make up the flagellum; they selected five and made them inactive. By making them inactive, the cells cannot pull apart as they divide, while leaving the human cells unaffected.…

A Research Paper on Trimethylaminuria Makenzie Paulson Genetics Mr. Ken Blacksmith Milwaukie High School June 1st, 2018 Abstract In 1970, the first clinical case of trimethylaminuria (TMAU) was found by J.R Humbert, when diagnosing a 6-year old girl. Trimethylaminuria, is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a genetic mutation or variation, that causes a strong, pungent fish odor to be excreted from the body in the form of sweat, urine, and other bodily fluids. Those diagnosed with…

This is Brittany Stallings reporting live from Okmulgee Oklahoma wit terrible news. There has been a Chagas outbreak in this small city. Most of you may not have heard about this but little is known about the horrifying disease but I am here to help inform the public and to keep it safe. Chagas disease is also known as American trypanosomiasis. It is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is spread particularly by insects known as Triatominae. This bug may…

Treatments & Prevention Treatment during the acute phase of Chagas Disease is critical because it rapidly reduces parasitemia, decreases the chance of death and reduces the likelihood of chronic Chagas Disease (Kaplan and Porter 3). Only two drugs have been proven to improve the patient during the course of this disease and those drugs are nifurtimox and benznidazole. However, treatment from either of these drugs is difficult due to them not being FDA approved. Nifurtimox and benznidazole can…

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by a group of parasite called, Trypanosome cruzi and is most often spread by Triatomine bugs. It was discovered by Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, in 1909. There are 6-7 million people infected with this disease, and 10,000 deaths a year. It is frequently found in people, dogs, cats, and wild animals in Central and South America, especially in farm lands where poverty prevails. Deforestation for agriculture, mining,…

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, is caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. These parasites cause two disease forms that occur in different geographical regions of Africa: West and Central Africa, versus East and South Africa, respectively. (2) However, most cases of HAT are due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. (1) The tsetse fly acts as the vector for the transmission of this protozoan parasite between mammalian hosts. Both…

The best way to combat the infection is to seek medical treatment were specific drugs can be used to remove the protozoan from the body. When in the first stage the most effective drug for T. brucei rhodesiense is Suramin. The most effective way for the drug to be administered is intravenously because it is not absorbed well by the intestines. It’s most effective against trypomastigotes that are in the bloodstream. The drug acts upon T. b. rhodesiense by inhibiting the glycosomal enzymes…