Question

Winterbottom's sign of trypanosomiasis refers to?

• A. Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck
• B. Bilateral swelling of the feet
• C. Presence of fever and chills
• D. Skin rash on the abdomen

Hint:

When studying parasitic infections, focus on common diagnostic signs such as Winterbottom's sign for trypanosomiasis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Winterbottom's sign is a medical term associated with trypanosomiasis, commonly known as African sleeping sickness. This disease is caused by the Trypanosoma parasite, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected tsetse fly. The presence of Winterbottom's sign is an important clinical indicator of this disease.

1. Understanding Winterbottom's Sign: Winterbottom's sign refers specifically to the swelling of lymph nodes, particularly in the neck region. This swelling is due to the accumulation of parasites in the lymphatic system and the body's immune response to the infection. Therefore, the correct answer is "Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck."
2. Elimination of Incorrect Options:
   • Bilateral swelling of the feet: This is not associated with trypanosomiasis. Such swelling is more often related to conditions like heart failure or renal issues.
   • Presence of fever and chills: Although fever is a common symptom of many infections, including trypanosomiasis, it is not specifically referred to as Winterbottom's sign.
   • Skin rash on the abdomen: This is not a typical symptom of trypanosomiasis and is unrelated to Winterbottom's sign.
3. Conclusion: The presence of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (Winterbottom's sign) is a hallmark of the early stage of African sleeping sickness. Recognizing this sign can aid in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of the disease.