Topic overview

Start with the big picture

This topic introduces the major forms of trypanosomiasis and their vectors: tsetse flies transmit African disease, while reduviid kissing bugs transmit Chagas disease. It outlines how African disease stages guide drug choice, distinguishing first-stage therapy from treatment when the CNS is involved. The lesson also surveys key medicines, their mechanisms and important adverse effects, including precautions associated with pentamidine, suramin, eflornithine, melarsoprol, and fexinidazole. For Chagas disease, it covers benznidazole and nifurtimox, treatment considerations across disease stages, and relevant safety checks. Special-population precautions and supportive measures, including vector control and donor screening, round out the topic.