Trypanosoma lewisi or T. lewisi-like Infection in a 37-Day-Old Indian Infant

Abstract

Trypanosomes were observed in the peripheral blood smear of a 37-day-old Indian infant admitted off feeds, with fever and convulsions. Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi was identified in the blood. The species identification was confirmed by morphometry, polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing. Human infection with this organism is rare. Only seven cases of this infection have been reported previously in humans. The cases reported are reviewed to develop a composite picture of this disease.