Tsetse Flies and African Trypanosomiasis: Biology, Epidemiology, and Integrated Vector Control.

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 3 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Mahesh Gaba*,

  • Atul Khajuria1,

  1. Faculty, department of Medical Laboratory Science, PCTE Group of Institutes, Jhande [Ludhiana], Punjab, India
  2. Dean, department of Allied & Health Care Sciences, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur, Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur, punjab, India

Abstract

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) are hematophagous dipterans confined to sub-Saharan Africa and serve as cyclical vectors of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT), with major implications for human health, livestock productivity, and rural development. An integrated understanding of tsetse biology, parasite transmission, climate, and land–use–driven distribution shifts, and the comparative performance of control tools—especially insecticides and sterile insect technique (SIT)—is essential for designing sustainable elimination strategies. HAT (sleeping sickness) is caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in West and Central Africa and T. b. rhodesiense in East and Southern Africa, transmitted by infected tsetse flies. Historically, HAT has caused devastating epidemics, but coordinated vector control, improved diagnosis, and therapeutics have reduced reported cases to historically low levels, and elimination as a public health problem is now considered achievable. At the same time, AAT caused by T. congolense, T. vivax, and other trypanosomes remains a major constraint on cattle and other livestock, undermining food security and rural economies. From a microbiological perspective, HAT provides a paradigm of extracellular protozoan infection with sophisticated antigenic variation; from a public health perspective, it illustrates the challenges of vector- borne disease control under climate change, land use transformation, and constrained health systems.

Keywords: KEY WORDS- Tsetse fly, Glossina, Human African trypanosomiasis, African animal trypanosomiasis, Vector control, Sterile insect technique.

How to cite this article:
Mahesh Gaba*, Atul Khajuria1. Tsetse Flies and African Trypanosomiasis: Biology, Epidemiology, and Integrated Vector Control.. International Journal of Insects. 2026; 03(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Mahesh Gaba*, Atul Khajuria1. Tsetse Flies and African Trypanosomiasis: Biology, Epidemiology, and Integrated Vector Control.. International Journal of Insects. 2026; 03(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/iji/article=2026/view=239662


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
01
Received 19/02/2026
Accepted 27/02/2026
Published 15/03/2026
Publication Time 24 Days
47

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