An Update on the African Trypanosomosis Status in South Africa

The cold climate of South Africa likely contributed to the historical eradication of the vector for Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in the 1950s, leading to the absence of the disease. However, studies have recorded the presence of vectors for Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei brucei, though they remain confined to the warmer provinces. Given the undeniable effects of global warming, with South Africa warming rapidly, this chapter updates the status of Trypanosoma spp. and their pathogenicity and describes the potential impact of this warming trend on the disease in South Africa.