title: The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis and staging of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness.
abstract: Human African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense is invariably fatal if untreated with up to 12.3 million people at a risk of developing the disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical presentation coupled with differences in disease progression and severity. While the factors determining this varied response have not been clearly characterized, inflammatory cytokines have been partially implicated as key players. In this review, we consolidate available literature on the role of specific cytokines in the pathogenesis of T. b. rhodesiense sleeping sickness and further discuss their potential as stage biomarkers. Such information would guide upcoming research on the immunology of sleeping sickness and further assist in the selection and evaluation of cytokines as disease stage or diagnostic biomarkers.
authors.affiliation: School of Bio-security, Biotechnical & Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Charles D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.affiliation: School of Bio-security, Biotechnical & Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Enock
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Matovu
authors.affiliation: School of Bio-security, Biotechnical & Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Claire M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Mugasa
authors.affiliation: School of Bio-security, Biotechnical & Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Bio-security, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nanteza
authors.affiliation: College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. BOX 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Vincent P
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Alibu
keywords: Biomarkers; Cytokines; Human African Trypanosomiasis; Immune response; Sleeping sickness