BACKGROUND: Dermatologists may evaluate patients with African trypanosomiasis. The currently available dermatologic literature does not review the cutaneous manifestations of African trypanosomiasis. OBSERVATION: We describe an American man who acquired African trypanosomiasis while hunting in Tanzania, and we review and classify the cutaneous findings of this disease. This article reports the results of the first biopsy of a trypanid and depicts trypanosomes on the first touch preparation done from a trypanid biopsy specimen. Rare color photographs of trypanids are shown. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the unique cutaneous manifestations of African trypanosomiasis may allow dermatologists to make a rapid diagnosis that is essential for timely treatment and survival. Classifying the disease with primary chancriform, secondary hemolymphatic, and tertiary central nervous system stages should improve the understanding of the complex natural history of African trypanosomiasis.
BACKGROUND: Dermatologists may evaluate patients with African trypanosomiasis. The currently available dermatologic literature does not review the cutaneous manifestations of African trypanosomiasis. OBSERVATION: We describe an American man who acquired African trypanosomiasis while hunting in Tanzania, and we review and classify the cutaneous findings of this disease. This article reports the results of the first biopsy of a trypanid and depicts trypanosomes on the first touch preparation done from a trypanid biopsy specimen. Rare color photographs of trypanids are shown. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the unique cutaneous manifestations of African trypanosomiasis may allow dermatologists to make a rapid diagnosis that is essential for timely treatment and survival. Classifying the disease with primary chancriform, secondary hemolymphatic, and tertiary central nervous system stages should improve the understanding of the complex natural history of African trypanosomiasis.
Authors: Philippe Büscher; Jean-Mathieu Bart; Marleen Boelaert; Bruno Bucheton; Giuliano Cecchi; Nakul Chitnis; David Courtin; Luisa M Figueiredo; José-Ramon Franco; Pascal Grébaut; Epco Hasker; Hamidou Ilboudo; Vincent Jamonneau; Mathurin Koffi; Veerle Lejon; Annette MacLeod; Justin Masumu; Enock Matovu; Raffaele Mattioli; Harry Noyes; Albert Picado; Kat S Rock; Brice Rotureau; Gustave Simo; Sophie Thévenon; Sandra Trindade; Philippe Truc; Nick Van Reet Journal: Trends Parasitol Date: 2018-01-23