Frequency and diversity of trypanosomes in sheep and goats from Mongo County in South Gabon, Central Africa.

Gael Darren Maganga,Jacques François Mavoungou,Brice Kumulungui,Larson Boundenga,Telstar Ghestin Ndong Mebaley,Emmanuella Jacqueline Ologui-Minkue-Edzo,Linda Bohou Kombila

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2020.2502-2507

Gael Darren Maganga, Jacques François Mavoungou + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.2502-2507

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Abstract

Background and Aim:Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a vector-borne disease caused by several species of protozoan parasites, namely, trypanosomes. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of trypanosome species infecting sheep and goats from Mongo County and to determine the frequency of these parasites.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted on 286 trypanotolerant goats and sheep from Mongo regions located in South Gabon, using polymerase chain reaction.Results:Analyses showed that the overall occurrence of trypanosomosis in small ruminants was 13.6% (39/286). Our results also showed that two factors, species and season, could affect the occurrence rate of Trypanosoma. A total of six Trypanosoma species were identified, two in sheep (Trypanosoma simiae and Trypanosoma theileri) and five in goats (Trypanosoma vivax, T. simiae, T. simiae Tsavo, Trypanosoma congolense, and Trypanosoma brucei), though Trypanosoma simiae was the most important species. Mixed infections were also found in goats (54.5%) and sheep (3.57%).Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that small ruminants could represent a reservoir of biodiversity for Trypanosoma parasites.

Highlights

In sub-Saharan Africa, the population of small ruminants is estimated at 120 million [1]
Analyses showed that the overall occurrence of trypanosomosis in small ruminants was 13.6% (39/286)
Our study demonstrated that small ruminants could represent a reservoir of biodiversity for Trypanosoma parasites

Summary

Introduction

In sub-Saharan Africa, the population of small ruminants is estimated at 120 million [1]. In 2009, the total number of sheep and goats in Gabon was estimated at 222,000 [2], with approximately 143,630 raised using extensive rearing. This breeding method, which is considered economical for the breeder, forces the animal to be exposed to various pathologies, including abortive diseases [3]. Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a vectorborne disease caused by several species of protozoan parasites, namely, trypanosomes. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of trypanosome species infecting sheep and goats from Mongo County and to determine the frequency of these parasites

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion