Trypanosome trypomastigote (Trypanosoma sp.), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). A parasitic hemoflagellated protozoan that causes trypanoso

Trypanosome trypomastigote (Trypanosoma sp.), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). A parasitic hemoflagellated protozoan that causes trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease). This trypanosome is a vector borne parasite transmitted by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). The ribbon like flagellated trypomastigote is carried in the insects saliva (and faeces) and enters the human host through a wound made by the fly. This protozoan infects the blood, lymph and spinal fluid and rapidly divides. Upon entering the cerebral spinal fluid the parasite can damage brain tissue causing eventually causing death. Magnification: x800 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.