Sleeping sickness is caused by ____________, a protozoan.a)Trypanosoma...
Answer:The correct answer is A:
Trypanosoma
Explanation:Sleeping sickness, also known as African trypanosomiasis, is caused by a protozoan called Trypanosoma. Here is a detailed explanation:
1.
Sleeping Sickness: - Sleeping sickness is a disease caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei.
- It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies, which are found in sub-Saharan Africa.
2.
Protozoan: - Protozoa are single-celled microscopic organisms that can cause various diseases in humans and animals.
- Trypanosoma is a genus of protozoa that includes several species responsible for causing different diseases in humans, including sleeping sickness.
3.
Trypanosoma: - Trypanosoma is a flagellated protozoan parasite.
- It has a complex life cycle involving both humans and tsetse flies.
- The parasite exists in two forms: a bloodstream form (found in humans) and a procyclic form (found in tsetse flies).
4.
Sleeping Sickness Transmission: - Tsetse flies become infected with Trypanosoma when they feed on the blood of an infected human or animal.
- The infected flies then transmit the parasite to humans through their bite.
- Once inside the human body, the parasite multiplies and spreads through the bloodstream, causing various symptoms.
In conclusion, sleeping sickness is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma, making option A the correct answer.