Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis with Special reference to Chagas' Disease

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis affect millions of people living in tropical and subtropical climates, yet methods for preventing and controlling these parasitic diseases are still far from adequate. A multidisciplinary, multinational group of clinicians and research workers met to discuss their common problems and to try to define the most important aspects for future research. The epidemiology, pathogenecity and immunology of both the African and S. American forms of these diseases are considered. The taxonomy of the parasites is compared, their ultrastructure, nutrition and metabolism are described, and the problems of chemotherapy and drug resistance are discussed.