Final answer:
Trypanosoma is a genus of flagellate protozoa which cause diseases such as African trypanosomiasis and American trypanosomiasis, commonly spread by insect bites and able to evade the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Members of the genus Trypanosoma are flagellate protozoa known for causing serious diseases such as African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness) and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). These parasitic pathogens are predominantly spread through insect vectors. For example, Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness, is transmitted by the tsetse fly and can infiltrate a host's blood and brain, leading to symptoms like confusion and difficulty sleeping. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. Similarly, Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease through the bite of triatomine bugs or 'kissing bugs' who often bite the face or eyes of humans.
In terms of survival tactics, Trypanosoma brucei is known for its ability to continuously evade the human immune system by frequently changing its glycoprotein surface antigens. This adaptation allows the parasite to survive within the host for extended periods, making the disease particularly difficult to treat and eradicate. Infections with these protozoa can lead to severe health complications and, in many cases, can be fatal if left untreated.