Which protozoan pathogen is responsible for African Sleeping Sickness?

Trypanosoma brucei is the protozoan pathogen that causes African Sleeping Sickness, also known as trypanosomiasis. This disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which harbors the parasite. The life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei involves both humans and tsetse flies, and the disease can manifest in two forms: the chronic form, which progresses slowly and primarily affects the central nervous system, and the acute form, which is more severe and may result in rapid illness.

Understanding this specific relationship between the parasite and its vector is crucial in understanding the epidemiology of the disease. Treatment for the disease can be complex due to variations in symptoms and the need to address the different stages of infection, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this specific pathogen in medical practice.

The other options represent different protozoan pathogens responsible for distinct diseases: Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria, Leishmania donovani is responsible for visceral leishmaniasis, and Acanthamoeba spp. can cause a rare but serious eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Each of these pathogens has a unique pathology and transmission route, unders