Chemotherapy of African Trypanosomiasis

Abstract

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.