protozoan disease of CNS

What protozoan causes African sleeping sickness?

Trypanosoma brucei.

What insect transmits African sleeping sickness?

Tsetse fly (Glossina).

What are the two subspecies of T. brucei?

T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense.

Which form causes chronic disease?

T. brucei gambiense.

Which form causes acute disease?

T. brucei rhodesiense.

Why is it called sleeping sickness?

Patients develop severe sleep cycle disturbances and may fall asleep while eating or standing.

What are classic late-stage symptoms?

Confusion, poor coordination, slurred speech, coma, and death.

What protozoan causes toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasma gondii.

What is the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii?

Cats and other felines.

How is toxoplasmosis acquired?

Ingestion of cat feces-contaminated material or undercooked meat containing tissue cysts.

What CNS disease does toxoplasmosis commonly cause in immunocompromised patients?

Encephalitis

What happens to Toxoplasma after the initial infection?

Tissue cysts remain and establish latent infection.

Why are AIDS patients at high risk?

Latent infection can reactivate and cause encephalitis.

Can toxoplasmosis cross the placenta?

Yes, causing congenital toxoplasmosis.

What protozoan causes Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?

Naegleria fowleri.

Where is Naegleria fowleri found?

Warm freshwater and soil.

How does Naegleria reach the brain?

It travels along the olfactory nerves through the nasal mucosa.