Note that the disorder may occur years after leaving the tropics. Trypanosomiasis is caused by protozoal parasites, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiene or T b gambiense , transmitted by bite of the tsetse fly. The hemolymphatic stage is characterized by high fevers lasting several days, with symptom-free periods of days to weeks. Less common manifestations of this stage are severe headache, malaise, arthralgia, lymphadenopathy, circinate rash, pruritis, and hepatosplenomegaly. Weight loss and debilitation also occur, and myocarditis may develop.
Treatment is complex and toxic, and depends on the infecting organism and stage of illness.
Among the medications currently in use are suramin, melarsoprol, pentamidine, eflornithine, and corticosteroids.