How Is African Sleeping Sickness Diagnosed

Tests can find the parasite. These tests may include blood samples and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture). Your provider may also take a sample of chancre fluid or tissue, or fluid from swollen lymph nodes.

How is a person diagnosed with trypanosomiasis?

Trypanosome Detection. Parasitological diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of lymph node aspirate, blood, or CSF. It provides direct evidence for trypanosome infection and thus allows a definite diagnosis.

Can the African sleeping sickness be cured?

There is no test of cure for African trypanosomiasis. After treatment, patients should be closely followed for 24 months and monitored for relapse.