Bovine Trypanosomosis Research Articles

"Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis in and Around Sadi Chanka District, Western Oromia"

Wabi Emiru Takile*, Etana Dinbasha Taresa, Wayesa Dagafa Cawaka and Abera Kune Author Affiliations Sadi Chanka Woreda Livestock and Fishery Resource and Development Office, Ethiopia Received: March 09, 2022 | Published: March 21, 2022 Corresponding author: Wabi Emiru Takile, Sadi Chanka Woreda Livestock and Fishery Resource and Development Office, Ethiopia DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.42.006802

Seasonal Patterns: Bovine Trypanosomosis, Glossina pallidipes Density, and Infection in Rift Valleys of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Bovine trypanosomosis is a parasitic disease causing serious economic losses in livestock productivity and agricultural development. The disease has been reported in different parts of Ethiopia. However, seasonal pattern of trypanosomosis, tsetse fly apparent density, and infection are very limited in the southern rift valley of the country, particularly in Gamo Zone. Therefore, the objective of this cross-sectional study design was to estimate seasonal prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, assessing tsetse fly apparent density and its infection by trypanosomes. For the parasitological study, a total of 600 cattle (300 in each season) were sampled and assayed using the buffy coat technique. A total of 80 standard NGU traps were deployed around the watering and grazing areas for the entomological survey. An overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 10.17% (61/600), of which 7.33% (22/300) and 13% (39/300) accounted for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was significantly higher during the wet season (OR = 2.47; p < 0.05), in black coat color (OR = 7.2, p < 0.05), and poor body-conditioned (OR = 3.15; p < 0.05) animals. Two species of trypanosomes, Trypanosoma congolense, 68.85% (42/61), and Trypanosoma vivax, 31.15% (19/61), were circulating in the area. The mean PCV value in infected animals (22.56 ± 4.61) was significantly lower than in non-infected animals (25.3 ± 4.75). Entomological result indicated that Glossina pallidipes (G. pallidipes) was the only species of tsetse found in the study area. Totally, 3,789 flies were caught of which 81.42% (3,085/3,789) belong to G. pallidipes and 18.58% (704/3,789) were other biting flies. The overall apparent density of G. pallidipes was 12.85 flies/trap/day (FTD). Relatively higher G. pallidipes/trap/day were caught in the wet season (13.64 F/T/D) than in the dry season (12.07F/T/D). Of the flies caught, 342 G. pallidipes were randomly selected and dissected. The overall proportion of G. pallidipes infection was 18.42% (63/342) of which 12.28% (21/171) and 24.56% (42/171) were accounted in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Infection in G. pallidipes was significantly higher during the wet season (OR = 2.32; p < 0.05) and in park grazing areas (OR = 2.45; p < 0.05). In conclusion, trypanosomosis is the major challenge for cattle productivity in the district. So this study warrants the need for strengthening the vector and parasite control interventions in the area.

Study on the Prevalence and Host-Related Risk Factors of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Selected Kebeles of Konta Zone District, South Western Ehiopia

Trypanosomosis is a disease caused by several species of protozoa parasites called trypanosomes found in the blood and other tissues of vertebrates including livestock, wildlife &amp; people. The objective of this cross sectional study was to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, identify species of trypanosomes involved and access associated risk factor in Ameya Zuria Woreda. In this study, over all prevalence of 12.8 % (49/ 384) bovine trypanosomosis was recorded. Prevalence of 9.4 % and 16.9 % was observed in female and malecattle respectively. Bovine trypanosomosis with prevalence of 18.5%, 11.8%, 10.4%, 10.8% &amp; 11.8% was recorded in Chebera, Cheta, Dupa, Serishewa and Yora peasant associations respectively. The prevalence of 5.6%, 14.3 6% and 16.7 were recorded in cattle of young, adult and old respectively. Two species of trypanosomosis T.congulense and Brucei were detected with a prevalence of 11.2% and 1.7 % respectively. In the current study, the prevalence of trypanosomosisbased on body condition scores were recorded as good, medium, and poor as 6.8 %, 9.9 % and 21.3 % respectively. Based on coat color, prevalence of 26.4%, 15.8%, 8.5% and 5.8 were recorded in black, grey, red and white color respectively. Based on Hematological finding to PCV &lt;25 and PCV ≥ 25 78.6% were recorded anemic while 21.4 % were normal. In conclusion, this study indicated that trypanosomosis was the major constraint of livestock production in the Ameya Zuria Woreda *20therefore; concerned individuals should strengthen and continue the effort against this parasitic disease.

Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis and Associated Risk Factors in Jima Geneti District of the Horo Guduru Wollega Zone in Ethiopia

Introduction: Parasitic diseases are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals throughout the world. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Ethiopia’s Jima Geneti area of the Horo Guduru Wollega Zone from December 2017 to April 2018. The prime goal of the study was to determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle and assess potential risk factors. Buffy coat and thin blood smears were employed to identify the trypanosome species. The research district and kebeles were chosen using a purposive selection strategy, while cattle were selected by a simple random sample method. Results: In total, 25 of the 384 investigated cattle were infected with trypanosomes, leading to an overall prevalence of 6.5%. Biqiltu Qidame town had a high prevalence of 10.4%, while Adileqa Tuluchali had a low prevalence of 3.5%. The study area had the highest prevalence of Trypanosoma congolense (60%), followed by Trpanosoma vivax (28%) and Trpanosoma brucei (12%) The prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) with age, body condition, and packed cell volume (PCV) in the study area. Conclusion: Bovine trypanosomosis was prevalent in the researched area that had a severe impact on livestock production. To increase the livestock’s health and production in the study area, strategic disease prevention and control programs are necessary.

Study on Bovine Trypanosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors in Benatsemay District, Southern Ethiopia.

Trypanosomosis is an endemic livestock disease in Ethiopia that hinders livestock production and productivity, especially in fertile agricultural western and southwestern areas. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based and parasitological studies were conducted from October 2020 to July 2021 in the Benatsemay district, southern Ethiopia to assess the knowledge of livestock owners about trypanosomosis, its prevalence, and host-related risk factors associated with bovine trypanosomosis in the area. According to the questionnaire survey, trypanosomosis was the main bottleneck to cattle in two of the selected study Sites in the Benatsemay district. The parasitological survey revealed that 11.46% (44/384) of the cattle were infected with trypanosomosis. Moreover, Trypanosoma congolense (9.11%) is the leading trypanosome species in the area, followed by T. vivax (31.8%). The adult age group (16.15%), poor-conditioned cattle (22.22%), and black-skinned cattle (34.24%) were significantly associated (P < .05) with trypanosomosis infection in the study area. Furthermore, the mean packed cell volume (PCV) of parasitaemic cattle (22.75%) was significantly (P < .05) lower than that of aparasitaemic cattle (29.23%). Therefore, the present study revealed that the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in the study area and participatory vector control and the rational use of trypanocidal drugs should be implemented to control trypanosomosis in the area.

Livestock Owners' Perception on the Impact of Ghibe-III Hydroelectric Dam on Bovine Trypanosomosis, Southern Ethiopia.

Background:Trypanosomosis is an endemic livestock disease in Ethiopia. The problem prevails mainly in the South, Southwest, and Northwest regions following main rivers and their tributaries.Methods:A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Loma and Kindo Didaye districts near the Ghibe-III hydroelectric dam, to compare dam impact upstream and downstream, from January 2019 to June 2020. Two hundred standardized questionnaire surveys were administered. The questionnaire included biography, livestock population before and after dam construction, knowledge of major livestock diseases, clinical signs, transmission, seasonality, and wildlife population status was assessed. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U Test.Results and discussion:A total of 189 questionnaires were returned out of 200 questionnaires administered. Among the respondents, the majorities were males and had an average age of 39.4 + 10.6. In all herd size levels, there was no significant (P > .05) difference before dam construction between the 2 districts; whereas, statistically significant (P < .05) large and medium herd sizes increased by 16%(95% CI: 0.5, 31.5) after dam construction in Loma district; whereas, the same herd size reduced by 20%(95% CI:0,43.7) after dam construction with statistically significant(P < .05) difference. Bovine trypanosomosis ranked first among major diseases. Knowledge of clinical signs, transmission, and seasonality of trypanosomosis was consistent with the literature. 87.8% of respondents in Loma associated reduction of trypanosomosis and tsetse population, but 77% of Kindo Didaye respondents perceived no change in prevalence after dam construction. More reduction in wildlife population was observed upstream than downstream, health services improved, and disease outbreaks and cattle deaths were reduced. Studies in African countries indicate the reduction in tsetse apparent density and absences of wildlife contributed to the reduction of trypanosomosis.CONCLUSION:An increased herd size, reduced trypanosomosis prevalence, and wildlife population observed upstream, indicate artificial Lake has an impact on tsetse apparent density. Therefore, follow-up of the disease prevalence and investigation of drug resistance is recommended to prove the situation in the study area.

Parasitological Investigation of Bovine Trypanosomosis , Vector Distribution and Tsetse Flies Infection Rate Study, Dabo Hana District, Buno Bedelle Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Parasitological Investigation of Bovine Trypanosomosis , Vector Distribution and Tsetse Flies Infection Rate Study, Dabo Hana District, Buno Bedelle Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in naturally occurring cases of Bovine Trypanosomosis in North Central Nigeria

This study aimed to evaluate the Haematological and Serum biochemical changes in cattle with natural trypanosomosis in North Central Nigeria. Cattle were drawn from cases reported to the State Veterinary Hospital Minna and Area Veterinary Clinics in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) with health problems suggestive of trypanosomosis. A total of 343 cattle were sampled of which 45 (13%) were infected with species of trypanosomes. Trypanosoma (T) vivax (5.5%), T. congolense (5.5%), and T. brucei (2.0%) were detected in the infected animals. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the infected and the uninfected were measured and compared. The mean PCV (23.27±6.82%), platelet (93.23±42.02 x103μl), and total leukocyte counts (4.40 ±1.64x103μl) of infected cattle were significantly lower than those of the uninfected (32.47±8.35%, 209.67±55.75 x103μl, and 8.14±3.34 x103μl). Lymphocyte counts (64.64±12.19%) were significantly higher in the infected cattle compared to the uninfected (58.19±15.29%). The mean neutrophil count (32.62±12.25%) of the infected cattle was significantly lower than the uninfected (39.46±15.05%). The biochemical parameters also differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) between the infected and the uninfected. The mean ALT (34.62±20.57IU/L), ALP (105.48±37.97IU/L), CK (265.71±21.25IU/L) of the infected cattle were significantly higher than the uninfected (16.60±3.73 IU/L, 65.60±18.90 IU/L, and 254.12±11.32IU/L) respectively. The mean total proteins (51.50±18.28mg/dL) and glucose (31.94±13.68mg/dL) of the infected were significantly lower than the uninfected (77.20±14.46 mg/dL, 46.80±13.59 mg/dL) respectively. Albumin (24.84±8.31 mg/dl) and globulins (29.34±15.31 mg/dl) of the infected cattle were significantly lower than the uninfected (27.60±6.73 mg/dL and 49.80±15.05 mg/dL) respectively. Similarly, the mean sodium (111.82±28.84 mg/dL), chloride (91.76±25.59 mg/dL) and bicarbonates (17.46±6.76 mg/dL) levels of the infected cattle were significantly lower than the uninfected (127.8034.95 mg/dL, 98.6019.48 mg/dL, and 20.6012.58 mg/dL) respectively. The levels of calcium (2.98±0.84mg/dL), iron (1.55±0.60 mg/dL), copper (0.49±0.36 mg/dL) and zinc (2.08±1.42mg/dL) were significantly lower in infected cattle compare to uninfected animals (4.16±0.54 mg/dL, 4.45±2.07mg/dL, 0.81±0.08 mg/dL, and 7.88±2.52 mg/dL) respectively. The findings of this study will assist clinicians in the diagnosis and provide rationale clinical decisions for better and effective disease control.

Study on Prevalence of Trypanosomosis in Cattle of Sodo Zuriya District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Background Trypanosomosis is a significant impediment to Ethiopia's livestock and farm production, adding adversely to the overall growth of agriculture in general and the nation's food self-reliance efforts in particular. Methods Cross-sectional research was performed on the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle and the distinction of Trypanosoma species and potential factors in six selected provinces of the Sodo zuriya district in southern Ethiopia. Blood samples from the ear vein of 400 local and exotic cattle species were taken randomly. A hematocrit reader was used after centrifugation at 12,000 rpm for a five-minute assessment of anemic conditions of animals, and the anemia of the thin blood spraying and buffy coat procedure was tested to assess the incidence, detection, and packaging of Trypanosoma and the cell volume of each sampled animal. Results Accordingly, twenty cattle were positive for trypanosomosis, with an overall proportion of 5.0%. From this overall prevalence, Trypanosoma congolense (3.3%) and Trypanosoma vivax (1.8%) were the two common Trypanosoma species in this study. The highest and the lowest prevalence of trypanosomes occurred in Guttuto Larena (35%) and Dalbo Wogane (0.00%), respectively. Age-wise prevalence revealed that young adults (45%) were the most affected, followed by old adults (35%) and adults (20%). Cattle with poor body condition scores (65%) were the most affected, followed by cattle with medium (30%) and good (5%) body condition scores, and this was found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.002). In addition, the variation in packed cell volume (PCV) between infected and noninfected cattle was significantly different (p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion Thus, the present study revealed the predominance of bovine trypanosomosis in the region and had a significant effect on body condition and anemia growth. The government and public should then collaborate in parasite-observed areas on the disease's management and prevention efforts in an environmentally sustainable way.

Clinical manifestation and parasitological study of bovine trypanosomosis naturally occurring in a North Central State Nigeria

Introduction: Trypanosomosis is a disease caused by trypanosomes, a group of unicellular parasites found in the fluid and tissues of vertebrates. The disease is characterized by anorexia, anaemia, emaciation, weakness and eventual death. Method: A prospective study design was conducted to assess clinical manifestations and parasitaemia in cattle with trypanosomosis under natural infection in Niger state, Nigeria between the months of January to May 2017. A sample size of 343 cattle was purposively selected out of which 262 were diagnosed of clinical trypanosomosis. The clinical signs and parasitaemia associated with Trypanosomosis were monitored in these animals. Result: Of the 343 cattle sampled cattle 45 (13%) were positive for trypanosome infection. Trypanosoma vivax (5.5%), T. congolense (5.5%), and T. brucei (2.0%) were the three trypanosomes identified in the infected animals. The most frequently observed clinical signs were weight loss, weakness, intermit-tent anorexia, pale mucous membrane, epiphora, and dark/rough hair coat. The mean body weights (257.94±74.13kg) and the mean PCV (23.27±6.82%) of the infected animals were significantly lower than that of the control (386.96±62.69kg and 32.47±8.35%) respectively. Similarly, the mean rectal temperature of the infected animals (39.82±1.79ºC) differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) from that of the control. Significance: Clinical manifestations of trypanosomosis when taken into consideration with ecological considerations might provide sufficient grounds for a putative diagnosis of the disease by clinicians.

Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis and Its Associated Risk Factor in Hawa Galan District, Kelem Wollega Zone of Ethiopia.

An analytical cross-sectional study was performed between November 2015 and April 2016 at Hawa Galan woreda, Kelem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, to estimate the proportion of cattle with trypanosomosis and to evaluate the elements associated with the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. A haemoparasitological examination of the Buffy coat method was implemented to determine the proportion of trypanosomosis-positive cattle. A study population of 428 bovines was randomly selected from three peasant associations (PAs) and tested for the presence of the disease. Findings of the laboratory results indicate that among all animals tested at the study time, 26 (6%) animals were positive for the disease. Among the positive results, the proportion of trypanosome species was Trypanosoma congolense 18 (69.3%) and Trypanosoma vivax 8 (30.7%). The prevalence at the selected PAs was 12.5%, 3.8%, and 3% for Lemlem, Madawalkituma, and Ifajiru, respectively. From this finding, the relationship has a statistically significant variation (P < 0.05) among peasant associations and body condition state, and the proportion was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in animals categorized under poor body condition score. The relationships between age and sex of cattle show no statistically significant variation among them (P > 0.05). This study indicates that the proportion of trypanosomosis was greater in anemic (PCV<24%) cattle than nonanemic (PCV≥24%). Therefore, based on this finding, the proportion of bovine trypanosomosis is evident that can cause a major effect on the health of cattle in the study population in the study area. So, effective control methods could be applied to decrease the disease and its related economic loss.

A Preliminary Study on the Relationship between Parasitaemia and Cytokine Expression of Peripheral Blood Cells in Trypanosoma vivax-Experimentally Infected Cattle.

Simple SummaryInfections by Trypanosoma vivax in livestock have been reported with increasing frequency worldwide. Nevertheless, information regarding the immune response during the infection is scarce. Regarding that, cytokines play an important role as inflammation modulators, influencing the outcome of trypanosomosis. This study aimed to evaluate host cytokine production during T. vivax infection, in order to assess the increase or decrease of selected cytokines with the cattle’s ability to control the infection. While animals that showed an increase in IL-6 and IFNγ managed T. vivax parasitaemia satisfactorily, cattle that showed reduction of IL-1β, IL-2 and TNFα did not control the parasite multiplication. The presented results are preliminary and shed some light on the role of cytokines during T. vivax-infection.Trypanosoma vivax outbreaks have been reported with increasing frequency worldwide, causing significant economic losses in livestock. Though several studies have suggested that cytokine responses may influence infection caused by Trypanosoma sp., their exact role remains unclear and may vary according to the animal species and parasite strain. The present study aimed to evaluate cytokine expression of peripheral blood cells from three Girolando dairy cows experimentally infected with T. vivax. For this purpose, blood samples were collected prior to the inoculation on the day of inoculation (D0), the day after inoculation (D1), and then every seven days up to 119 days after infection (DAI). Each animal presented a unique pattern of cytokine expression. While a tendency of a Th1 cytokine response was observed during the patent phase (presence of circulating parasites), an increase of Th2 cytokine expression was found at the beginning of the sub-patent phase (low parasitaemia or aparasitaemic periods). In animals that presented a better control of parasitaemia, IL-6 and IFNγ increased during most of the trial period. On the other hand, the cow that presented reduction of IL-1β, IL-2, and TNFα during the entire period did not control parasitaemia properly. A balance between the Th1 and Th2 profile is beneficial for parasite control and animal health. The results found in the present study are a first step towards elucidating the dynamics of cattle’s inflammatory response against T. vivax, requiring future studies focusing on the role of key cytokines on the controlling of parasitaemia in different stages of bovine trypanosomosis.

Prevalence of Trypanosome Species in Cattle Near Ruma National Park, Lambwe Valley, Kenya: An Update From the Historical Focus for African Trypanosomosis.

The effective control of diseases in areas shared with wildlife depends on the validity of the epidemiologic parameters that guide interventions. Epidemiologic data on animal trypanosomosis in Lambwe valley are decades old, and the recent suspected outbreaks of the disease in the valley necessitate the urgent bridging of this data gap. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, identified risk factors, and investigated the occurrence of species with zoonotic potential in Lambwe valley. The area is ~324 km2, of which 120 km2 is the Ruma National Park. Blood was sampled from the jugular and marginal ear veins of 952 zebu cattle between December 2018 and February 2019 and tested for trypanosomes using the Buffy Coat Technique (BCT) and PCR-High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis of the 18S RNA locus. Risk factors for the disease were determined using logistic regression. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 11.0% by BCT [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.0–13.0] and 27.9% by PCR-HRM (95% CI: 25.1–30.8). With PCR-HRM as a reference, four species of trypanosomes were detected at prevalences of 12.7% for T. congolense savannah (95% CI: 10.6–14.8), 7.7% for T. brucei brucei (CI: 6.0–9.4), 8.7% for T. vivax (CI: 6.9–10.5), and 1.3% for T. theileri (CI: 0.6–2.0). About 2.4% of cattle had mixed infections (CI: 1.4–3.41). No human-infective trypanosomes were found. Infections clustered across villages but were not associated with animal age, sex, herd size, and distance from the park. Approximately 85% of infections occurred within 2 km of the park. These findings add to evidence that previous interventions eliminated human trypanosomosis but not bovine trypanosomosis. Risk-tailored intervention within 2 km of Ruma Park, especially in the north and south ends, coupled with stringent screening with molecular tools, could significantly reduce bovine trypanosomosis.

Prevalence and risk factors for trypanosome infection in cattle from communities surrounding the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

BackgroundBovine trypanosomosis transmitted by tsetse flies is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in all sub-Saharan countries, including Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and identify its associated risk factors and the species of trypanosomes associated with the disease.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted around Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda from January 2020 to April 2020. Trypanosomes were detected in blood samples by PCR analysis targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-PCR assays), and trypanosomes in positive blood samples were sequenced.ResultsOf 460 blood samples collected and tested, 136 (29.6%) were positive for trypanosome infections and 324 (70.4%) were negative. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 29.6% (95% confidence interval 25.4–33.8%), attributed to three trypanosome species. Of these three species, Trypanosoma vivax was the most prevalent (n = 130, 28.3%) while the others were detected as mixed infections: T. vivax + Trypanosomacongolense (n = 2, 0.4%) and T. vivax + Trypanosomaevansi (n = 1, 0.2%). There were significant differences in trypanosome prevalence according to sex (χ2 = 62, df = 1, P < 0.05), age (χ2 = 6.28, df = 2, P = 0.0043) and cattle breed (χ2 = 10.61, df = 1, P = 0.001).ConclusionsTrypanosomosis remains a major limitation to cattle production around Murchison Falls National Park and interventions are urgently needed. In our study, the prevalence of trypanosome infections was high, with T. vivax identified as the most prevalent species. Age, sex and breed of cattle were risk factors for trypanosome infection.Graphical

Bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors: prevalence and control operations in Kellem Wollega, Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and to assess farmers’ perception of the disease and its control operations. From October to April 2012, a total of 586 cattle were sampled for the prevalence study. Buffy coat procedure and haematocrit value determination were performed. To capture the fly that was involved in the transmission dynamics, one hundred monopyramidal traps were deployed for 72 hours. A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to study farmers’ perceptions of the diseases and their control operations. Trypanosomal infections were diagnosed in only 8.7 % (51) of animals. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle was significantly varied between study districts (33.1% Dale Sadi and 66.9% Dale Wabera). Most infections were due to Trypanosoma congolense (81.8%) followed by T. vivax (15.6%) and mixed infections (2.6%). The association of hematological value changes and trypanosome infections was profound. The overall Packed Cell Volume (PCV) values of sampled cattle were 25.8%. A significant (P&lt; 0.05) variation in PCV values was recorded in infected (20.8%) and non-infected (26.5%) cattle. In the study period, a total of 2055 flies were captured and of which 92% belong to the genus Glossina followed by Stomoxys and Tabanids. Four types of tsetse species (G. pallidpes, G. m. morsitans, G. tachinoides, and G. f. fuscipes) were identified. The questionnaire survey revealed that trypanosomosis is the most important problem for agricultural activity and animal production in the study areas. Farmers are well aware of the problem, means of transmission, and the different control methods. Integrating tsetse control program with other trypanosomosis control options is recommended.

Host Related Risk Factors of Bovine Trypanosomosis and Vector Density in Halu District of Ilubabor Zone, West Ethiopia

Background Trypanosomosis is disease caused by unicellular parasites, trypanosome, found blood and other tissue of vertebrates; including livestock, wild life and people. It is a serious disease in domestic livestock causing a significant negative impact on food production and economic growth in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Its epidemiology and impact on livestock production are largely determined by the prevalence and distribution of the disease and its vectors in the affected area. Aim To assess the host related risk factors of bovine trypanosomosis and apparent density of tsetse flies in four peasant associations of the study area. In relation to the host risk factors, the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was highest in those animals with poor body condition. Results The overall 5.32% prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was recorded from 432 blood sample collected from randomly selected animals using Buffy coat method. Trypanosoma congolense was the dominant species 14 (60.87%). However, it was not statistically significant between sex of animals (p&gt;0.05). The mean packed cell volume (PCV) value of the infected animals was lower (20.65%±2.85) compared to non-infected animals (25.74%±4.80). There was statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the PCV values of infected and non-infected animals. Moreover, animals with different body condition exhibited statistically significant variation (p&lt;0.05) in the prevalence of trypanosomosis. Overall an apparent density of the flies was 2.42 f/t/d by using mono-pyramidal and biconical traps. It indicated that, G. morsitance submorsitance, G. pallidipes and G. tachinoides were tsetse flies species caught. Conclusion Finally, this work showed that trypanosomosis is an important disease affecting the health and productivity of cattle in the district. Hence, due attention should be given to this sector so as to improve livestock production and agricultural development in the area.

Epidemiological investigation of bovine trypanosomosis and distribution of vectors in Jimma zone, Ethiopia

Trypanosomosis is highly reliant on the distribution of vectors responsible for transmission. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine trypanosomosis as well as the distribution of vectors in the Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Blood samples from a total of 2088 cattle were collected and tested using a buffy coat and Giemsa techniques. An overall 13.36% prevalence of trypanosomosis was recorded in study areas. The highest proportion of the infections was caused by T. vivax (44.80%) followed by T. congolense (36.92%) and mixed infection (18.28%) of both species. The study also revealed that trypanosomosis was associated with anemia as the mean PCV was significantly lower among trypanosome-infected animals (20.34 ± 4.39) than non-infected ones (27.98 ± 3.68). Moreover, anemia was more pronounced with T. congolense infection (19.54 ± 3.22) than T. vivax (21.07 ± 3.96) and mixed infection of both species (20.16 ± 2.71). This study identified age, body condition, and agro-ecology as risk factors for the occurrence of trypanosomosis in cattle. Vector survey was conducted by deploying 377 mono-pyramidal traps in selected districts. Accordingly, Glossina species and other biting flies (Stomoxys and Tabanus) were identified with an apparent density of 5.27 and 1.74 fly/trap/day, respectively. Moreover, a higher 4.49 fly/trap/day of G. tachinoides than G. morsitans submorsitans (0.79 fly/trap/day) was noted in study areas. The present study indicated that trypanosomosis is the major cattle production constraint in the areas. Hence, applicable management techniques of the disease and its vector should be implemented and further investigation involving molecular technique should be conducted in different seasons.

Epidemiological investigation of bovine trypanosomosis in Bedele district, Buno Bedele zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2018 in four purposively selected villages of Bedele district, Oromia Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and associated risk factors of trypanosome infections in cattle. A total of 384 blood samples were collected from systematically selected cattle and examined using buffy coat and thin blood smear examination methods. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was 8.3%. Trypanosoma congolense (68.8%) and T. vivax (31.2%) were the prevailing trypanosome species identified in the area. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis between body condition scores of cattle. The prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was slightly higher in female (9%) as opposed to male (7.3%) cattle, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between age categories of cattle. The mean PCV value of trypanosome infected cattle (21.4 ± 3.6) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of non-infected (25.6 ± 4.6). The current study indicated that, despite vector control measures implemented for several years, bovine trypanosomosis persists and continues to be a core problem to cattle health and production in the Bedele district. Therefore, more attention should be given to control the disease and its vectors based on temporal and spatial distribution. Also, the use of molecular techniques should be encouraged in view of their greater sensitivity when compared to the buffy coat method.

A recombinant protein (MyxoTLm) for the serological diagnosis of acute and chronic Trypanosoma vivax infection in cattle

Human trypanosomiases and animal trypanosomoses are caused by distinct protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma. The etiological agents of bovine trypanosomosis (BT) are T. vivax, T. congolense, or T. brucei, whose acute infections are initially characterized by hyperthermia, following moderate to severe anemia, subcutaneous edema, lethargy, reduced milk production, progressive weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, reproductive disorders and death. Animals that survive the acute phase might recover and progress to the chronic, often asymptomatic, phase of infection. Despite their low sensitivity due to the characteristic low parasitemia, simple and costless direct parasitological examinations are the preferred diagnostic methods for animals. Thus, most of the epidemiological studies of BT are based on serological techniques using crude antigen. In this study, we describe the use of the MyxoTLm recombinant protein as an antigen on serological assays. Anti-T. vivax IgM and anti-T. vivax IgG ELISA assays using purified MyxoTLm revealed specificity rates of 91.30 % and 95.65 % and sensitivity rates of 82.35 % and 88.23 %, respectively, being higher than reported for crude antigens. Also, MyxoTLm demonstrated a good performance to detect IgM (ROC curve area = 0.8568) and excellent performance to detect IgG (ROC curve area = 0.9565) when compared to a crude antigen. T. evansi crude antigen used in the indirect anti-T. vivax IgM ELISA reached 70.58 % sensitivity and 78.26 % specificity, and had a lower test performance (ROC curve area = 0.7363). When applied to the anti-T. vivax IgG ELISA, the crude antigen reached 82.35 % sensitivity and 69.56 % specificity, also presenting a low performance with area under the ROC curve of 0.7570. Therefore, the use of MyxoTLm as an antigen on serological diagnosis of BT revealed to increase the sensitivity and the specificity if compared to crude antigens.

In vitro and in vivo effectiveness of disinfectants against Trypanosoma vivax.

Trypanosoma vivax causes bovine trypanosomosis in cattle and resulting in economic losses to farmers. In Brazil, shared contaminated materials is the main transmission pathway. To evaluate the effectiveness of different disinfectants for T. vivax, in vitro and in vivo analyses were performed. At the laboratory, 21 disinfectants were tested. The disinfectants were placed in microtubes containing blood with approximately 1.0×106 trypomastigotes of T. vivax. The viability and motile of trypomastigotes after 30s, one, 10, 15 and 30min was evaluated by the thick drop method and the efficacy calculated. Disinfectants that showed 100% effectiveness were used in in vivo tests. Thirty calves negative for T. vivax were divided into six groups and were inoculated with disinfectant solutions (46% alcohol, 70% alcohol, or 0.5% iodine)+1×106 trypomastigotes of the protozoa. Blood from each animal was collected at seven, 14 and 21days after inoculation to verify the viability and presence of the protozoan by Woo, Brener, PCR, and LAMP methods. In the in vitro step, 13 of the 21 disinfected solutions exhibited 100% effectiveness against T. vivax at all evaluation times. In contrast, 70% alcohol and 0.5% iodine solutions exhibited 100% effectiveness in the in vivo tests and can be used to disinfect needles and syringes. The use of disinfectants is a rapid and efficient procedure to disinfect materials utilized in the field and concomitantly could help to reduce the dissemination of T. vivax in the cattle herd in cases of iatrogenic transmission.