Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei is a single-celled parasite that causes sleeping sickness in humans and Nagana in animals. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of the tsetse fly, found in certain regions of Africa. The parasite infects the bloodstream and can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including disruptions in sleep patterns and, if untreated, can be fatal. There are two subspecies affecting humans: T. brucei gambiense, which causes a chronic form, and T. brucei rhodesiense, leading to an acute illness. Public health efforts focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment to control its spread.