[Double trypanosomal chancre revealing West African trypanosomiasis in a Frenchman living in Gabon].

BACKGROUND

Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), an endemic disease, is currently reemerging in Africa with an estimated incidence of 45,000 new cases per year. It is caused by Trypanosoma brucei subspecies and transmitted by day-biting tsetse flies.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We report a case of West African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense involving a Frenchman living in Libreville, Gabon. The patient presented with fever and polyadenopathies as well as two skin ulcerations highly suggestive of trypanosomiasis. Microscopic examination of cutaneous and peripheral blood smears confirmed the diagnosis of haemolymphatic infection with T. b. gambiense with trypanosomal chancres. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid was normal. The patient was successfully treated with pentamidine isethionate.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of cutaneous manifestations may allow a rapid diagnosis of African trypanosomiasis that is essential for timely and efficient treatment and survival.