Trypanosoma brucei is transmitted by the tsetse fly bite and causes animal and human African trypanosomias e s. Sleeping sickness due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is targeted for elimination by the WHO. Traditionally viewed as bloodstream parasite s, th e trypanosome ’ s distribution has been reconsidered since T. brucei is in fact primarily present in extravascular spaces, particularly in the skin. These skin -dwelling forms remain poorly characterized but have profound implications in 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.
BT - Trends in Parasitology DA - 09/2026 DO - 10.1016/j.pt.2026.09.012 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Trypanosoma brucei is transmitted by the tsetse fly bite and causes animal and human African trypanosomias e s. Sleeping sickness due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is targeted for elimination by the WHO. Traditionally viewed as bloodstream parasite s, th e trypanosome ’ s distribution has been reconsidered since T. brucei is in fact primarily present in extravascular spaces, particularly in the skin. These skin -dwelling forms remain poorly characterized but have profound implications in 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.
PB - Elsevier BV PY - 2026 SP - 1 EP - 25 T2 - Trends in Parasitology TI - Skin is a critical interface for Trypanosoma brucei transmission UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471492226002837/pdf?md5=027936d84b2f916838a584cbeca5cd09&pid=1-s2.0-S1471492226002837-main.pdf SN - 1471-4922 ER -