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Item Acta Tropica(veterinary Record, 1986) Wissenschaften, B. Z.An international journal of biomedical sciences, gives attention to every aspect of this field relevant to human health, including veterinary medicine and biology in the tropics. The subjects dealt with range from medicine and community health to epidemiology and the biology of parasites and vectors as well as to toxicology. The Journal is open to contributions concerning either basic or applied research in disciplines such as taxonomy, morphology, biochemistry, physiology and immunology. Contributions may be in the form of original papers, review articles, or short communications.Item Alupe Re-visited, Sleeping Sickness in Western Kenya(Kennedy, G. E., 2000) Kennedy, G.E.P.; Department of Neurology, University of GlasgowLast year I wrote an article in this Bulletin, Vol 28, 2, 21, describing some of the research in Glasgow and field work In Kenya on Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) carried out by my colleagues and myself. This major interest in sleeping sickness in Africa, particularly the neurological colleagues), myself in Neurology at the Southern General Hospital, and Dr. Joseph Ndung'u who is the Director of the Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute.Item The Antigenic Character of the 'Brucei' Trypanosomes(1962) Brown, K.N.The causative agents of 'sleeping sickness' are two trypanosome species of the brucei sub-group, Hoare (1957), namely Trypanosoma rhodesiense and T. gambiense. The disease especially that due to T. gambiense, is typically chronic, lasting several months or years with the intermittent appearance of parasites in the blood. Ultimately the trypanosomes invade the central nervous system with the subsequent onset of 'sleeping'.Item Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Indigenous Wild Flora in Kenya against Alternaria Pass/Florae Causing Brown Spot of Passion Fruit(2013) Wafula, J.; Wangai, A.; Omolo, E.; Wanyera, R.; Kamundia, J.; Mwaura, S.; Ministry of Agriculture Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Egerton Njoro universityAntifungal activities of botanicals have been known since antiquity and used to extend shelf life of foods and treat human and animal diseases. Antifungal activity of heat stable extracts of six botanicals growing wildly in Kenya against Alternaria passiflorae the causal organism of brown spot of passion fruit were evaluated under laboratory condition (in vitro). Heating techniques mimicking the traditional methods were used in the extraction of active compounds. The extracts exhibited various activities against Alternaria passiflora colony growth and sporulation. Warbugia ugandensis, Rosemarinlls officinalis and Urtica massaica were more toxic to Alternaria passiflora than Aloe volkensii, finger euphobia and solanam nigrum which were not significantly different from each other. Solanum nigrum was however relatively more effective in inhibiting sporulation followed by Rosemarinus officinalis and Warbugia ugandensis. Further tests on W. lIgandensis, R. officinalis and S. nigrum using different quantities of the botanicals indicated that the effects were concentration dependent. The fungitoxicity however decreased fast with incubation period. Concentrations >40 g of botanical materials/50 ml of PDA media were more toxic to the fungus. There is need for further studies to identify the active ingredients and best extraction methods as heat is known to destroy some compounds.Item Application of infectomics in virus management(Wageningen University, 2013) Kariithi, H.M.African trypanosomosis is a fatal zoonotic disease transmitted by tsetse flies (Diptera; Glossinidae); blood-sucking insects found only in sub-Saharan Africa. Two forms of trypanosomoses occur: the animal African trypanosomosis (AAT; nagana), and the human African trypanosomosis (HAT; sleeping sickness). Since there are no effective vaccines against trypanosomosis, tsetse fly eradication is the most effective disease control method. Tsetse flies can be effectively eradicated by the sterile insect technique (SIT), which is applied in an area-wide integrated pest management approach. SIT is an environmentally benign method with a long and solid record of accomplishments. SIT requires large-scale production of sexually sterilized male flies (by exposure to a precise and specific dose of ionizing radiation, usually from a 60(0 or 137(e source), which are sequentially released into a target wild insect population to out-compete wild type males in inseminating wild virgin females. Once inseminated by sterile males, the virgin females do not produce viable progeny flies. Importantly, these females do not typically re-mate. Ultimately, the target wild insect population can decrease to extinction. However, tsetse SIT programs are faced with a unique problem: laboratory colonies of many tsetse species are infected by the Glossina pallidipes salivary gland hypertrophy virus (GpSGHV; family Hytrosaviridae). GpSGHV-infected flies have male aspermia or oligospermia, underdeveloped female ovarioles, sterility, salivary gland hypertrophy syndrome (SGH), distorted sex ratios, and reduced insemination rates. Without proper management, symptomatic GpSGHV infections characterized by SGH symptoms) can cause collapse of Glossina colonies. To ensure colony productivity and survival. GpSGHV management strategies are required. This will ensure a sustained supply of sterile males for SIT programs. The aim of this PhD research was to investigate the functional and structural genomics and proteomics (infectomics) of GpSGHV as a prerequisite to development of rationally designed viral control strategies. A series of experiments were designed to: (i) investigate epidemiology and diversity of GpSGHV; (ii) identify GpSGHV proteome and how viral and host proteins contribute to the pathobiology of the virus; and (iii) investigate the interplay between GpSGHV, the microbiome and the host, and how these interactions influence the outcomes of viral infections. By relating GpSGHV and host infectomics data, cost-effective viral management strategies were developed. This resulted in significant reduction of GpSGHV loads and elimination of SGH from laboratory colonies of G. pallidipes.Item Calculation of Anopheline Man-Biting Densities from Concurrent Indoor and Outdoor Resting Samples(1974) Brady, J.; Department of Zoology and Applied Entomology, Imperial College of Science and Technology, LondonS.W.7A continuing problem in malaria epidemiology is the accurate measurement of the manbiting-rate (ma of Macdonald's 1957 formula, h= mabs). Both direct catches of female anophelines as they bite and all indirect sampling methods are subject to biases of different kinds (eg Garrett-Jones and Shidrawi, 1969; Garrett-Jones, 1970). Although there are arguably more accurate methods of sampling, the indirect, pyrethrum'spray-catch'of houses is unquestionably the most productive of anophelines per man-hour. Its weakness is that some females of even highly endophilic species such as Anopheles gambiae invariably leave a house on the night that they feed, and the technique thus only gives an accurate measure of ma when the exophilic proportion of the population is very small. The present paper suggests a means for adjusting this estimate of ma to allow for the proportion of the vector population that is resting outside. When the gonotrophic cycle lasts 2 days, the morning female anopheline population comprises fed and gravid individuals in approximately equal numbers (excluding unfed and pre-gravid females). Sampled during the morning, the outside resting population should therefore be found to consist of a minority of fed mosquitoes-those that left the houses soon after feeding during the previous night-and a larger number of gravid mosquitoes that fed the night before and left either then or as half-gravids 24 hours later. Where densities are high, and natural resting sites not too abundant, this situation may commonly be observed in unsprayed areas (eg Muirhead Thomson, 1951; Brady, unpublished observations in Ghana). When it is, the data can be made use of as follows: letItem Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis(1962) Robertson, D.H.H; EATRO (East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization Tororo Uganda)BEFORE deciding which drug to luse in any patient with trypanosomiasis it is necessary to determine by examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (e.S.F.) whether the central nervous system is involved. The Sicard-Cantaloube method for estimating C.S.F. protein is convenient for use in the field (Willett, 1955): if a sample contains more than 25 mg. of protein per 100 mI., more than 5 leucocytes per c.mm., or if trypanosomes are found during the examination of the C.S.F. in the Fuchs-Rosenthal cytometer, then the patient will require mel B. Pentamidine or suramin should only be used during the early stage of the disease before central nervous system invasion has occurred.Item Comparative pathogenicity of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense strains in Swiss white mice and Mastomys natalensis rats(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1927) Muchiri, M.W.; Ndung'u, K.; Kibugu, J.K.; Thuita, J.K.; Gitonga, P.K.; Ngae, G.N.; Mdachi, R.E.; Kagira, J.M.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Biotechnology Research Institute (BioRI), P. O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Кепуа; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya; Kenya Food Crop Research Institute, P. O. Box 30148, Nairobi, KenyaWe evaluated Mastomys natelensis rat as an animal model for Rhodesian sleeping sickness, Parasitaemia, clinical and pathological characteristics induced by T. b. rhodesiense isolates, KETRI 3439, 3622 and 3637 were compared in Mastomys rats and Swiss white mice. Each isolate was intra-peritonially injected in mice and rat groups (n-12) at 1x 10º trypanosomes/0.2 ml. Pre-patent period (PP) range for KETRI 3439 and KETRI 3622-groups was 3-6 days for mice and 4-5 days for rats while for KETRI 3637-infected mice. and rats was 5-9 and 4-12 days, respectively. Pairwise comparison between PP of mice and rats separately infected with either isolate showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The PP's of KETRI 3637-infected mice were significantly (p>0.01) longer than those infected with KETRI 3439 or KETRI 3622, a trend also observed in rats. The second parasitaemic wave was more prominent in mice. Clinical signs included body weakness, dyspnoea, peri-orbital oedema and extreme emaciation which were more common in rats. Survival time for KETRI 3439 and 3622-infected groups was significantly (p<0.05) longer in mice than rats but similar in KETRI 3637-infected groups. Inflammatory lesions were more severe in rats than mice. All mice and KETRI 3622-infected rats had splenomegaly, organ congestion with rats additionally showing prominent lymphadenopathy. KETRI 3439-infected rats showed hemorrhagic pneumonia, enteritis with moderate splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. KETRI 3637-infected rats had the most severe lesions characterized by prominent splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, enlarged adrenal glands, organ congestion, generalized oedemas, gastroenteritis, pneumonia and brain congestion. KETRI 3637- infected Mastomys is a suitable model for studying pathophysiology of HAT.Item A Comparative study of the Epidemiology of Endemic Rhodesian Sleeping Sickness in different parts of Africa(1963) Apted, F.I.C.; Ormerod, W.E.; Smyly, D.P.; Stronach, B.W.; Szlamp, E.L.; Bureau of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases, Tanganyika, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Southern Rhodesia, Game Ranger TanzaniaIn a history of Rhodesian sleeping sickness ORMEROD [this Bulletin, 1962, v. 59, 339] has suggested that the disease arose from a single focus in the Zambezi area and spread northwards in epidemics which left residual foci behind them. The present work was done to study the epidemiological conditions in 4 areas: -The Zambezi river system, where the disease was first recognized but no epidemic occurred; Ngamiland, where cases have recently become more numerous; and 2 areas in Tanganyika which had a big epidemic in 1928-32. In the Gokwe District of Southern Rhodesia (Zambezi area) 5 cases have occurred in the last 20 years, and they have been relatively chronic and sporadic. In Ngamiland, the disease is increasing and 248 cases were diagnosed in 1957-60. The disease, however, is relatively chronic, so that some cases might almost be considered as "healthy carriers", and there is little tendency for it to become epidemic. In the Kahama and Tabora districts of Tanganyika there was an epidemic in 1928, and in 1939; in 1957-59 84 cases occurred. In this area the cases occur at particular foci and the disease is acute. The occupations specially exposed to risk are honey-gathering, cultivation in the bush, and fishing, all of which take men into contact with fly. In the Kasulu district of Tanganyika, there was an epidemic in 1930-32 and another in 1957-60 with 244 cases. The disease was acute and widespread and it affected mainly travellers and those collecting firewood or honey in the bush. Several kinds of game can maintain infection with Trypanosoma rhodesiense, but owing to their habits and habitats most of them do not come into close contact with men and so they are unimportant. The animal which is most likely to act as a reservoir of infection is the bush-buck; it remains in a limited area and returns to its habitat even when disturbed; it often lives near men; it tolerates T. rhodesiense for long periods and on one occasion T. rhodesiense has been isolated from a wild bush-buck [HEISCH et al., ibid., 1959, v. 56, 698]. T. rhodesiense infection of men is most likely to occur when there is sustained triple contact of man, fly and bush-buck (or other game). Glossina pallidipes is the most effective vector because it stays mostly in one small area; G. morsitans is less effective because it ranges more widely, but if infection builds up to a certain level, then G. morsitans readily spreads an epidemic. If this triple contact can be effectively broken, then epidemics can be controlled and prevented.Item East African Virus Research Institute Report,1970.(East African Community, 1970) East African Community; East African Virus Research Institute EntebeTHE YEAR 1970 was the period during which we had planned to initiate the development of an expanded programme of investigation and research to embrace all important virus diseases posing significant public health problems in East Africa. This objective was partially achieved because of the shortage of virologists, and the failure of the building contractors to have the new laboratory extension, a store and 12 staff houses completed and handed over by mid-1970.Item The Epidemiology and Control of Human Trypanosomiasis in Glossina Morsitans Fly-Belts(1963) Van D. B; Lambrecht F. L; Department of Agriculture UgandaThe prevalence of infections with Trypanosoma gambiense has fallen by about three-quarters in the last decade, but that of T. rhodesiense has remained steady. Fly control has become very efficient against Glossina palpalis but is often disappointing against G. morsitans. This paper reviews the epidemiology of trypanosomiasis, particularly in savannah areas, and contributes original observations of the authors. The relationship of the 3 trypanosomes of the T. brucei group is considered. Study of the ecology of T. gambiense suggests that it remains confined to forest because it does produce a potent infection in animals and because of the behaviour of its vector. T. rhodesiense can infect animals and can infect G. palpalis [this Bulletin, 1961, v. 58, 1117], and there is a danger that it may invade forest belts. Food is believed to be the dominant factor in the ecology of the fly, and examples show how modifications of the wild animal population or of the vegetation may cause T. rhodesiense infection to flare up. The distribution of tsetse is determined by the tolerance of the larval and pupal stages to environmental conditions, and by the presence of suitable animal hosts for the adult. Methods of control are considered, and it is urged that this should avoid upsetting the natural resources and soil conservation principles of the area. In discussing land use the authors point out that most African soils are not rich enough for sustained agriculture. On marginal land game cropping will give a better return than cattle which are ill-adapted to the environment [ibid., 1960, v. 57, 229], Wild life conservation should be integrated in the development plans of savannah areas. The future of tsetse control lies in zoning of fly belts with sectional clearing and development of certain zones. Interesting suggestions are made for control in the immediate future and in methods of fly survey. Finally, a plea is made for a regional approach to trypanosomiasis control, and for international sponsorship of an inter-African council to integrate fly control in development plans and to secure co-ordination at both national and inter-territorial levels. The organization of research is also discussed.Item The Epidemiology of Sleeping Sickness in Samia Location, Kenya.(1968) Wijers, D.J.B.In 1964 a T. rhodesiense sleeping sickness epidemic occurred in Alego Central Nyanza. Here the disease was transmitted by Glossina fuscipes which had left its riverine habitat and had settled in the dense hedges around the homesteads so that the flies had come into very close contact with man and his livestock. The disease was found to have a reservoir in cattle that could harbor the trypanosome for many months without showing any signs of illness. To control the epidemic and to prevent further spread, the Government decided to eradicate all tsetse in Central Nyanza by spraying the bush with insecticides. To prevent re-invasion by the fly from Uganda, all bush was cleared in a barrier zone at the western border of the sprayed area.Item The Estimation of IgM Immunoglobulin in Dried Blood, For Use as a Screening Test in the Diagnosis of Human Trypanosomiasis In Africa(1967) Cunningham, M. P.; Bailey, N. M.; Kimber, C. D.Mattern (1964) has shown that in human trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma gambiense, the serum IgM immunoglobulin level is consistently raised, and this was confirmed by LUMSDEN (1965) for infection with T. rhodesiense. Although these authors showed that increased levels of serum IgM are not pathognomonic for trypanosomiasis, the observation that low levels virtually exclude the possibility of trypanosome infection is obviously relevant to the development of a screening test for diagnosis.Item Fleas on man and animals(1971) .Allen, W. M; Clackson, M. J.; Central Veterinary Laboratory, Weybridge, School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3, 5QA.In 1969 there was considerable correspondence in the Veterinary Record on the apparent increase in fleas on dogs and cats and consequently on their owners, and some discussion as to the possibility of fleas from other hosts establishing themselves on man and his domestic animals (Clover, 1969; Anderson, 1969; White, 1969). Edwards (1969) pointed out that the first essential to any investigation is an accurate identification of the species of flea and the following description of a severe flea infestation on a farm illustrates the value of this approach.Item The History of Sleeping Sickness in Yimbo Location (Central Nyanza, Kenya) as Told by the Oldest Inhabitants of the Location(1969) Wijers, D.J.B.; Medical Research Centre, Nairobi"Long ago, before the Europeans came, there lived in Yimbo two mighty Luo clans: the Kanyathuon and the Kajongo. Relations between the two clans werestrained because, when the clans conquered Yimbo, the Kajongo had killed off all the original inhabitants and they blamed the Kanyathuon who had spared the lives of the conquered people and allowed them to live quietly among their conquerors. In the clan war which resulted the Kajongo lost battle after battle, for the Kanyathuon, aided by the men whose lives they had spared, were far too strong for them."Item Human African Trypanosomiasis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-Infection in Western Kenya(2005) Kajejo, O. A.; Matete, G. O.; University of Nairobi KARI (Kenya trypanosomiasis Research Centre Muguga)Objective: To determine possible interaction between infections of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness and HIV/AIDS in Western Kenya Design: Random selection and testing for HIV infections of serum samples from HAT patients using an indirect single phase enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (EAI-Immunocomb ®II, oragenics) Setting: National Sleeping Sickness Referral Hospital-Alupe. Results: Four (16%) of the HAT serum samples (n=25) were found to be seropositive for HIV type 1 and 2 infections, while an additional four (16%) were sero-positive to HIV type 2 infections alone. In contrast, the patients from the local STD clinic showed that 52 % (n=53) were seropositive for both HIV type 1 and 2 infections. No patient from the STD clinic was seropositive for HIV type 2 alone. Calculated Yates Chi square value of 17.31 (P>O.OOI) indicated a significant increase in HIV type 2 antibodies in T. brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness patients. Results: Sixteen percent of the HAT serum samples (n=25) were found to be seropositive for HIV type 1 and 2 infections, while an additional 16% were sero-positive to HIV type 2 infections alone. In contrast, the patients from the local STD clinic showed that 52% (n=53) were seropositive for both HIV type 1 and 2 infections. No patient from the STD clinic was seropositive for HIV type 2 alone. Calculated Yates Chi square value of 17.31 (P < 0.001) indicated a significant increase in HIV type 2 antibodies in T. brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness patients. Conclusion: T. brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness is an immuno suppressive disease whose patients have shown a higher affinity to HIV type 2 infections more common in central and western Africa. Such patients when treated, appear to recover from HAT but later succumb to full-blown AIDS. It is recommended that CD4+ Tcell numbers and CD4/CD8 T cell ratios be assessed to investigate response to treatment in HIV positive HAT patients.Item Human Trypanosomiasis in Rhodesia(1968) Burnett, E.; Blair, D. M.; Michael, G.; Blair Research Laboratory, Salisbury, Ministry of Health, Salisbury, University College of Rhodesia, Salisbury(1) Human trypanosomiasis (T. rhodesiense) has been known to occur in Rhodesia since 1911. Despite the fact that this disease spread in an epidemic form northwards in Africa about this time, no epidemic occurrence has been reported south of the Zambezi river, although the scattered and sparse population of human beings living in small villages in close association with tsetse fly and game animals seemed to provide conditions suitable for epidemic spread. (2) The cases reported in anyone year or period of years of indigenous origin have 'been small in number and at anyone period have been traceable to infection contracted at an endemic focus of limited size; even a single village, in one instance, constituted the focus. Four such endemic foci have been in operation--one after the other, over nearly 60 years. (3) The endemic foci have all been located on the Zambezi river side of the central watershed. No cases of human trypanosomiasis have ever been reported in Rhodesia in the Sabi-Lundi tsetse fly area. (4) It has been found that each endemic focus appears to be based on one or more ""healthy"" carrier cases of the disease, persons with a trypanosome infection of their blood stream who are not ill and continue in their normal pursuits and provide a ready source of infection for local tsetse fly. (5) Visits to an endemic focus by persons who live in fly-free areas, whether they be Africans or Europeans, result in a number of cases of acute trypanosomiasis, and it is the occurrence of a series of such cases that generally draws attention to the existence of such a focus. It appears that the indigenous African population living in the focus do not succumb to the infection readily, and even when they do contract the disease it seems to run a more chronic course. (6) The problems of the identity or otherwise of T. brucei and T. rhodesiense are discussed. If T. rhodesiense is merely T. brucei inoculated into a human being, one would expect cases to occur widely in tsetse fly areas where T. bruce; abounds. This is not so. (7) If T. rhodesiense is a human parasite able to maintain itself over the years by passage through game animals, the surprising localisation of cases is difficult to explain. It may, however, be a very rare parasite even in the Zambezi basin, where it is considered to have had its origin. If, however, it is inoculated into a person who, although developing a heavy blood infection does not develop cerebral symptoms and a progressive deterioration of health, a ""healthy"" carrier is created and may be the source of the build-up of a more frequent T. rhodesiense infection of the tsetse fly in a particular locality. (8) It is difficult to explain the tolerance of the ""healthy"" carrier to his infection and the general resistance of the indigenous inhabitants of an endemic focus to infection. It may be that the constant assault by tsetse fly infected with T. vivax and T. congolense may create some degree of non�specific resistance to infection with T. rhodesiense when this infection is introduced by a tsetse fly. It is also possible that when an individual not previously exposed to tsetse fly, enters a focus in which cattle and human strains exist, the great chances are that he will be inoculated with one of the non-human trypanosomes. These trypanosomes do not survive in him, but induce a temporary acquired immunity which depends on repeated inoculation of non-human trypanosomes. Should such a person then be inoculated with the much rarer human strain, he will not develop trypanosomiasis unless his state of immunity is not fully protective, in which event he will contract a mild form of the disease or become a ""healthy"" carrier. (9) In investigating an endemic focus it is important to examine all the people in the area, including those temporarily absent. Blood films must be taken from all the inhabitants and not only those who are ill, have temperatures or have enlarged cervical glands. If a ""healthy"" carrier is present he will be active and well and strenuously deny that he is in any way ill.Item Human Trypanosomiasis in South-East Uganda(1963) Robertson, D.H.H. Baker, J. R. ; East African Trypanosomias Research Tororo UgandaDuring the past two decades there has been an increase in the incidence and spread of sleeping-sickness due to Trypanosoma rhodesiense throughout the north-eastern shore area of Lake Victoria; this increase has been associated with heightened fishing activity and increasing and irregular settlement of the tsetse-fly belt of south-east Uganda. The author describes a number of epidemiological factors affecting the occurrence of the disease among fishermen, placing emphasi~ on the correct development of the local fishing industry to avoid, on the one hand, depleting the fish population and, on the other, increasing the incidence of sleeping-sickness. Sociological factors which militate against the development of settlement in Glossinainfested areas of south-east Uganda are also described and plans for future settlement in that area are discussed.Item The Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Technique Applied to Dried Blood, for use as a Screening Test in the Diagnosis of Human Trypanosomiasis in Africa(1967) Bailey, N.M.; Cunningham, M.P.; Kimber, C.D.; East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization, Totoro, Uganda; East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization, Tororo UgandaFluorescent antibody tests based on the technique developed by COONS, CREECH and JONES (1941) are widely used for the detection in serum of specific antibodies to infectious micro-organisms. FIFE and MUSCHEL (1959) described an indirect fluorescent antibody technique (1FT) for the serodiagnosis of Chagas's disease. Trypanosoma cruzi cultured on a diphasic blood agar medium was used as the antigen and, as this had to be kept moist, the entire technique was carried out in test tubes. A modification of this technique has been shown by SADUN et al. (1963) to be of value in the serodiagnosis of human trypanosomiasis. Thin blood smears from rats infected with T. CTUzi, T. gambiense and T. rhodesiense were used as antigen, and this resulted in a test which could be rapidly carried out on glass slides with serum collected from suspected cases of disease. ANDERSON et al. (1961) described a technique for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis by immunofluorescence, making use of blood samples dried on filter paper, and SADUN et al. (1963) showed that dried blood samples could be also used in the diagnosis of human trypanosomiasis. Their technique involved the elution of serum from the dried blood samples contained in plastic tubes, and the subsequent extrusion of the eluate in a carpenter's vice. This technique was somewhat tedious and time-consuming and only a limited number of tests could be carried out at anyone time. A modified technique has now been developed for the diagnosis, by immunofluorescence, of human T. rhodesiense infection. The complete procedure is carried out on glass microscope slides at room temperature, and large numbers of blood samples can be examined in a short period of time.Item Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute Cryobank forHuman and Animal Trypanosome Isolates to SupportResearch: Opportunities and Challenges(Kenya Agriculture Research Institute, 2014) Murilla, G. A.; Kenya Agriculture Research Institute; 1. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute – Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (KARI-TRC), Kikuyu, Kenya, 2.Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva,Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is classified in the category of the most neglected tropical diseases. In man, the disease is caused by two tsetse (Glossina spp.)-transmitted trypanosome subspecies: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, which is responsible for the chronic form of HAT in West and Central Africa, and T. b. rhodesiense, which causes acute disease in eastern and southern Africa. African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) is caused by various trypanosome species, the major ones being T. vivax, T. congolense, and T. evansi [1].
