New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal if untreated fly-borne neuroinflammatory disease caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.). The increasing trend of HAT cases has been reversed, but according to WHO experts, new epidemics of this disease could appear. In addition, HAT...

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Main Authors: Paul F. Seke Etet, M. Fawzi Mahomoodally
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2012-01-01
Series:The Scientific World Journal
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/2012/343652
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author Paul F. Seke Etet
M. Fawzi Mahomoodally
author_facet Paul F. Seke Etet
M. Fawzi Mahomoodally
author_sort Paul F. Seke Etet
collection DOAJ
description Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal if untreated fly-borne neuroinflammatory disease caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.). The increasing trend of HAT cases has been reversed, but according to WHO experts, new epidemics of this disease could appear. In addition, HAT is still a considerable burden for life quality and economy in 36 sub-Saharan Africa countries with 15–20 million persons at risk. Following joined initiatives of WHO and private partners, the fight against HAT was re-engaged, resulting in considerable breakthrough. We present here what is known at this day about HAT etiology and pathogenesis and the new insights in the development of accurate tools and tests for disease staging and severity monitoring in the field. Also, we elaborate herein the promising progresses made in the development of less toxic and more efficient trypanocidal drugs including the potential of medicinal plants and related alternative drug therapies.
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spelling doaj-art-583fcf0b81e64ef3b7e077ce29d1297f2025-08-20T02:05:46ZengWileyThe Scientific World Journal1537-744X2012-01-01201210.1100/2012/343652343652New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal PlantsPaul F. Seke Etet0M. Fawzi Mahomoodally1Department of Neurological Sciences (DNNMMS), University of Verona, Via Delle Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, ItalyDepartment of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit 230, MauritiusHuman African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a fatal if untreated fly-borne neuroinflammatory disease caused by protozoa of the species Trypanosoma brucei (T.b.). The increasing trend of HAT cases has been reversed, but according to WHO experts, new epidemics of this disease could appear. In addition, HAT is still a considerable burden for life quality and economy in 36 sub-Saharan Africa countries with 15–20 million persons at risk. Following joined initiatives of WHO and private partners, the fight against HAT was re-engaged, resulting in considerable breakthrough. We present here what is known at this day about HAT etiology and pathogenesis and the new insights in the development of accurate tools and tests for disease staging and severity monitoring in the field. Also, we elaborate herein the promising progresses made in the development of less toxic and more efficient trypanocidal drugs including the potential of medicinal plants and related alternative drug therapies.http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/2012/343652
spellingShingle Paul F. Seke Etet
M. Fawzi Mahomoodally
New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
The Scientific World Journal
title New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
title_full New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
title_fullStr New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
title_full_unstemmed New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
title_short New Insights in Staging and Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis and Possible Contribution of Medicinal Plants
title_sort new insights in staging and chemotherapy of african trypanosomiasis and possible contribution of medicinal plants
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1100/2012/343652
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