So Czgowchwz!

biomedicalephemera:

Top: Tse-Tse Flies [interesting etymological fact: “Tsetse” literally translates to “fly” in the Tswana language - calling the species tsetse flies is actually redundant]

Bottom: Trypanosome bodies within bloodstream: Approximately the same size as a red blood cell.

Tsetse flies are the biological vectors of multiple trypanosomes. They acquire them in the process of feeding on one vertebrate host, and transmit them to the uninfected vertebrates the feed on. Trypanosomes have complex lifestyles that require both the tsetse fly and the vertebrate host (which varies depending on trypanosome species), and though they don’t physically affect their fly hosts, invariably kill vertebrate hosts that aren’t treated.

Of particular interest is Trypanosoma brucei, which causes “African sleeping sickness” (African trypanosomiasis). After fully sequencing the genetic code of this protozoan parasite, scientists discovered one of the main reasons why the body has so much trouble fighting it: there are over 800 different surface proteins (which are essential to the body for identifying enemies that need destroying) that T. brucei can mix-and-match to evade the immune system. No wonder the immune system can’t keep up…

Tropical Diseases: A Manual of the Diseases of Warm Climates. Sir Patrick Manson, 1919.