Abstract:
Chronic African trypanosomiasis is associated with progressive behavioural deficits, for which there
is a complex underlying central nervous system (CNS) pathology. This has been extensively studied
in man and a range of experimental animals. An initial meningitis, which can occur quite early in the
infection, is followed by a breakdown of the choroid plexus, movement of the parasite into certain
localized brain areas, and subsequent encephalitis. The encephalitis consists of a chronic, widespread
inflammation with perivascular infiltrations of B-cells, plasma cells, inactivated T-cells and macrophages.
The blood-brain barrier is damaged and a vasogenic oedema ensues. Astrocytes and microglia become
reactive and the cytokine/mediator network is perturbed. The alterations in some of these signalling
substances, e.g. the prostaglandins, may induce some of the behavioural changes, e.g. the hypersomnia.
The immunopathology in the CNS may be brought about by elevated levels of active substances in
the cerebrospinal fluid, caused by parasite infection.
