Past and present progress in our understanding of African trypanosomiasis is briefly reviewed. Although tremendous scientific strides have been achieved, an epidemic of the disease is currently underway. Three areas of research which are believed necessary for the control of African trypanosomiasis are discussed. It is suggested that a better understanding of the host-parasite relationship is essential; more emphasis and a broader approach to drug development is required; and finally, further research into the socio-economic aspects of African trypanosomiasis is urgently needed before the human disease can again be controlled.
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, CB#7400, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, 27599-7400, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. rseed@sph.unc.edu
