Abstract
This study was conducted to (i) determine the prevalence of African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) in tsetse challenged areas, (ii) compare conventional with qPCR detection systems and (iii) evaluate the host genetic background and biology as risk factors. AAT prevalence studies are often confronted with low levels of parasitaemia. Hence, we designed a novel qPCR assay using primers and species specific probes amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) gene. Thereby all three AAT species could be detected simultaneously. 368 individuals from three cattle types (Baoulé, Zebu and hybrids) originating from 72 farms in Burkina Faso were analysed. Farmers were interviewed and morphometric measurements of the cattle taken. A chi-squared test and a logistic regression model were calculated to detect associations with infection. In our study, the overall rate of prevalence detected with the novel qPCR assay was 11.14%. Compared to conventional PCR we identified a concordance of 91.30%. We tested 41 animals positive for trypanosome DNA, five animals showed multiple infections. Zebus were twice as often infected (21.74%) compared to Baoulé (9.70%) and hybrids (9.57%). Trypanosoma vivax is the dominant species (9.24%), as compared to T. congolense (2.44%) and T. brucei (0.82%). The chi-squared tests linking the infection events to the breeds (Zebu vs. Baoulé and Zebu vs. hybrids) were on the border of significance. No significant association with other tested parameters could be detected. We introduce a novel qPCR technique for the fast, sensitive and simultaneous detection of the three AAT species. Our results suggest that associations with breed and infection exist since Zebu cattle are more likely to be infected compared to Baoulé and hybrids. Indigenous taurine cattle breeds, like the Baoulé, therefore provide a unique and valuable genetic resource.
Highlights
Trypanosomiasis affects both humans and animals and occurs in 37 sub-Saharan countries
To assess the actual impact of the disease, Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) prevalence was associated with potential risk factors of biology and husbandry of cattle [24,25]
Such studies rely on accurate detection methods for circulating parasites. qPCR strategies offer a high level of analytical sensitivity and can be multiplexed with several fluorescent labelled probes
Summary
Trypanosomiasis affects both humans (sleeping sickness) and animals (nagana) and occurs in 37 sub-Saharan countries. 60 million people and about 50 million cattle are currently living in risk of infection [1]. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has listed trypanosomosis among the top ten global cattle diseases impacting on the poor [2]. In tsetse challenged areas of Burkina Faso the African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is ranked first among nine most important cattle diseases [3]. Over thousands of years, and presumably under high tsetse challenge, some West African Bos taurus cattle breeds have developed a tolerance to trypanosomosis in the course of evolution [4]. Zebu (Bos indicus) cattle types are more susceptible to trypanosome infections and can only be maintained in tsetse challenged areas through the use of costly trypanocidal drugs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
