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Human African trypanosomiasis control: Achievements and challenges.
Serap Aksoy1, Phillipe Buscher2, Mike Lehane3
1Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|April 21, 2017
Summary
Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) affects millions in sub-Saharan Africa. This review covers current disease status, control tools, and emerging interventions for this neglected tropical disease.
Area of Science:
- Neglected tropical diseases
- Parasitology
- Public health
Background:
- Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, is a vector-borne parasitic disease endemic to sub-Saharan Africa.
- The disease impacts approximately 70 million people across a vast geographical area.
- Historical epidemics, including one in the 1990s, have resulted in hundreds of thousands of reported cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of sleeping sickness.
- To review the existing control strategies and tools for HAT.
- To identify and discuss future opportunities for novel or improved interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HAT epidemiology and control.
- Analysis of historical epidemic data.
- Assessment of current intervention strategies and emerging technologies.
Main Results:
- Sleeping sickness remains a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa.
- A range of control tools are available, though their effectiveness varies.
- Ongoing research is exploring new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Continued vigilance and integrated control strategies are essential for managing HAT.
- Further development of innovative interventions is crucial for disease elimination.
- Addressing the challenges of this neglected disease requires sustained global and local efforts.
