Abstract
BackgroundTrypanosoma evansi is the leading infectious Trypanosoma spp. in camels (Camelus dromedarius) present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that could lead to extensive economic losses. The present study was aimed to assess the prevalence rate of T. evansi in Taif governorate, Makkah province, KSA using parasitological and molecular evaluations, and analyze their genetic relationship targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and variable surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes. For evaluation, we have used 102 blood samples of camels obtained from three different regions in Taif.ResultsResults show a considerable prevalence rate of trypanosomosis 2/102 (2.0%) according to Giemsa-stained buffy coat smear, and 16/102 (15.7%) according to touchdown PCR. T. evansi (n = 10/102, 9.8%) was the main infectious species found in camels then T. vivax (n = 3/102, 2.9%). Mixed infections were detected in three camels with T. evansi, T. vivax, and T. congolense (n = 3/102, 2.9%). Regarding gender, the results indicate that female camels (11/66, 16.7%) show higher prevalence of Trypanosoma than males (5/36, 13.9%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of ITS1 and VSG showed their relationships with T. evansi in other hosts from different countries.ConclusionsIn our peer knowledge, it is the first time to report a research-based prevalence of trypanosomosis in the camels of Taif governorate, Makkah province, KSA.
Highlights
Trypanosoma evansi is the leading infectious Trypanosoma spp. in camels (Camelus dromedarius) present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that could lead to extensive economic losses
The present study evaluated the prevalence of camel trypanosomosis, especially T. evansi, in Taif governorate, Makkah province, KSA using parasitological and molecular methods
The present study showed a lower prevalence rate of Trypanosoma spp. (15.7%), especially T. evansi (9.8%), in this region than other regions of Saudi Arabia that have been previously studied
Summary
Trypanosoma evansi is the leading infectious Trypanosoma spp. in camels (Camelus dromedarius) present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that could lead to extensive economic losses. Saudi Arabian camels are mainly of the type one-humped (dromedaries, Camelus dromedarius), representing a significant and integral component of the Kingdom heritage. According to the FAO 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has about 34% (492,853) of the total population of dromedary present in the Arabian Peninsula (estimated 1.46 million) [1]. Camel population in KSA represents about 51% of the total tropical livestock unit that increased since 1961 (first available world annual data) [2]. Trypanosoma evansi has a complex and multiple means of transmission that depends on animal host species, biting/sucking insects, geographical area, and mode of transmission, leading to its epidemiological significance in different parts of the world [9]
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