Anterior uveitis as the first sign of human African trypanosomiasis: a case report

We report the case of a 13-year-old girl who consulted for blurred vision, pain, and redness in her left eye. Ophthalmologic examination revealed chronic, hypertensive, and non-granulomatous anterior uveitis. The disease course was marked by a reversal of diurnal rhythm, with daytime sleepiness and behavioral disorders. A neuropsychiatric examination suggested human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness. The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of Trypanosoma in the cerebrospinal fluid. The NECT regimen (nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy) was administered as medical treatment and resulted in the disappearance of all clinical signs. This observation suggests that the diagnosis of HAT can be considered in cases of anterior uveitis in individuals with a history of residence in or travel to an area endemic for it.