CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS

Background: Dermatologists may evaluate patients with African trypanos omiasis. The currently available dermatologic literature does not revi ew the cutaneous manifestations of African trypanosomiasis. Observatio n: We describe an American man who acquired African trypanosomiasis wh ile hunting in Tanzania, and we review and classify the cutaneous find ings of this disease. This article reports the results of the first bi opsy of a trypanid and depicts trypanosomes on the first touch prepara tion done from a trypanid biopsy specimen. Rare color photographs of t rypanids are shown. Conclusions: Recognition of the unique cutaneous m anifestations of African trypanosomiasis may allow dermatologists to m ake a rapid diagnosis that is essential for timely treatment and survi val. Classifying the disease with primary chancriform, secondary hemol ymphatic, and tertiary central nervous system stages should improve th e understanding of the complex natural history of African trypanosomia sis.