Describe the pathogenesis associated with Trypanosoma brucei that makes it nearly impossible for infected individuals to become immune to the pathogen
What will be an ideal response?
Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan that causes African sleeping sickness. As it replicates, it is released into the bloodstream, causing parasitemia. An effective immune response is generated against the pathogen; however, as the pathogen continues to replicate, it changes its surface glycoproteins and in the process presents new antigens to the immune system, which then must make new antibodies against the trypanosome. Repeated changes in the microbe's surface antigens result in waves of parasitemia every 7 to 10 days, and because of this ability to change antigens frequently, the infected individual never becomes sufficiently immune to the trypanosome to be able to clear the infection.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Comprehension
Section: Protozoan Diseases of the Nervous System
Learning Outcome: 20.19
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