[Human African trypanosomiasis in mangrove epidemiologic area. Presentation, diagnosis and treatment in Guinea, 2005-2007]

Abstract

Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis is still assumed to be endemic in many part of West Africa, particularly in Guinea coastal area with mangrove swamp. Diagnosis is usually made during active medical screening or by passive initiative.

Objectives: To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in the coastal area of Guinea.

Methods: Exhaustive and retrospective analysis of all patients attending the trypanosomiasis center in the coastal area of Guinea between January 2005 and December 2007 with a diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis.

Results: A total of 196 patients were recruited for the study. Out of them, 55 % of the 73 patients diagnosed during active screening were classified stage 1 (haemolymphatic stage) or early stage 2 (meningoencephalitic stage). Contrarily, 115 of the 120 diagnosed by passive procedure were classified late stage 2, which features more specific signs and neurological symptoms, and leads to coma and death. More than 90 % of all cases presented cervical lymph nodes with identification of trypanosome on direct examination of fluid puncture. Less than one third of the patients were reexamined three months later.

Discussion: In the coastal area of Guinea with mangrove swamp, direct examination of lymph node fluid puncture seems to be the most contributive test for the diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis. Hence, associating clinical examination of cervical lymph nodes area and direct examination of fluid puncture may allow an early diagnosis of Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis and favor the implementation of efficient therapeutic strategies.