Skin is a critical interface for Trypanosoma brucei transmission

Abstract

Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly and causes animal and human African trypanosomiases. Sleeping sickness due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO). Traditionally viewed as bloodstream parasites, trypanosomes' distribution has been re-evaluated since Tb is primarily present in extravascular spaces, particularly in the skin. These skin-dwelling forms remain poorly characterized but have profound implications for transmission and could impact diagnosis, treatment, and elimination efforts. We propose the dermis as a critical compartment, serving as both an anatomical reservoir sustaining parasite persistence and a direct interface between hosts. This article will focus on skin-resident parasites to review current knowledge and formulate key research questions that warrant further investigation.

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BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{sharma2026skin,
  title = {{Skin is a critical interface for Trypanosoma brucei transmission}},
  author = {Parul Sharma and Mohammad El Kadri and Bruno Bucheton and Jean-Mathieu Bart and Annette Macleod and Vincent Jamonneau and Mamadou Camara and Brice Rotureau},
  journal = {Trends in Parasitology},
  year = {2026},
  month = nov,
  doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2026.09.012},
  url = {https://hal.science/hal-05856229v1},
  note = {CC BY-NC},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Skin is a critical interface for Trypanosoma brucei transmission
AU  - Parul Sharma
AU  - Mohammad El Kadri
AU  - Bruno Bucheton
AU  - Jean-Mathieu Bart
AU  - Annette Macleod
AU  - Vincent Jamonneau
AU  - Mamadou Camara
AU  - Brice Rotureau
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/11/07
JO  - Trends in Parasitology
DO  - 10.1016/j.pt.2026.09.012
UR  - https://hal.science/hal-05856229v1
AB  - Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly and causes animal and human African trypanosomiases. Sleeping sickness due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO). Traditionally viewed as bloodstream parasites, trypanosomes' distribution has been re-evaluated since Tb is primarily present in extravascular spaces, particularly in the skin. These skin-dwelling forms remain poorly characterized but have profound implications for transmission and could impact diagnosis, treatment, and elimination efforts. We propose the dermis as a critical compartment, serving as both an anatomical reservoir sustaining parasite persistence and a direct interface between hosts. This article will focus on skin-resident parasites to review current knowledge and formulate key research questions that warrant further investigation.
SN  - 1471-4922
ER  -

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