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African trypanosomiasis gambiense, Italy
Zeno Bisoffi1, Anna Beltrame, Geraldo Monteiro
1Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital of Negrar, Verona, Italy. zeno.bisoffi@sacrocuore.it
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 2, 2005
Summary
Two cases of African trypanosomiasis, a disease not previously seen in Italy, were diagnosed in 2004. This highlights an increased risk for expatriates in endemic regions, requiring travel medicine awareness.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Parasitology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.
- Historically, this disease has not been documented in Italy.
Observation:
- Two cases of African trypanosomiasis were diagnosed in Italy during the summer of 2004.
- These cases involved individuals with potential exposure in trypanosomiasis-endemic countries.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in Italy represents a novel occurrence.
- The cases suggest a potential risk of disease importation by expatriates returning from or working in endemic areas.
Implications:
- Travel medicine practitioners must maintain a high index of suspicion for this potentially fatal parasitic disease.
- Increased vigilance is necessary in screening and diagnosing expatriates returning from or residing in regions where African trypanosomiasis is prevalent.
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