Trypanosome is a genus of parasitic flagellate protozoan that lives in the blood and tissues of humans and other vertebrates and causes serious diseases such as African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease. Synonyms that can be used to refer to trypanosomes include trypanosoma, spermosome, and schizotrypanum. Trypanosomes are characterized by their elongated or spindle-shaped bodies, their flagella, and their ability to replicate rapidly in the bloodstream. They can also evade the immune system, making them difficult to eliminate. Treatment for trypanosome infections typically involves antiparasitic drugs, but prevention measures such as controlling insect vectors and screening blood transfusions are also important.