Scanning electron micrograph of a trypanosome (Trypanosoma sp.)

Abstract

In Africa, protozoon parasites of the genus Trypanosoma are responsible for causing what is probably still the most important disease of domestic livestock in Africa south of the Sahara Desert i.e. African animal trypanosomosis or nagana. The natural hosts of these trypanosomes are many species of wild game which are adapted to the parasites and do not show any symptoms. The trypanosomes occur in the blood stream of infected animals and are carries from animal to animal by bloodsucking biting flies of the genus Glossina.