Background: Human trypansomiasis due to infection by animal trypanosomes is rarely reported from India.
Case characteristics: We describe clinical presentation of a 2-month-old boyfrom a rat infested house in rural Gujarat who was diagnosed to be havinginfection with the rodent parasite Trypanosoma lewisi.
Observation: The fever and parasitemia resolved on treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, Ceftriaxone and Amikacin, and there was no recurrence of parasitemia over a 2 month follow-up.
Message: The case highlights the need for increased awareness and heightened surveillance for this rare zoonotic infection.