AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (CHAGAS-DISEASE) AND AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS (SLEEPING SICKNESS)

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) are caused by protozoan parasites primarily transmitted to humans by insects. These illnesses are major public health problems in many developing countries. Considerable progress has been made in reducing transmission of these parasites through vector control, and this approach currently offers the best hope for long-term reduction in the numbers of new cases. Drug treatment is unsatisfactory for both these diseases; basic research on their causative organisms may lead to new therapeutic agents through rational drug design.