First case report on the occurrence of Trypanosoma evansi in a Siam B Mare in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

This is the first case report for the positive Trypanosoma evansi incident in Kelantan, Malaysia confirmed through protozoa detection in a Siam B mare. The horse was presented with complaints of lethargy and inappetence and it collapsed on the day of visit. Normal saline and dextrose solution were administered intravenously, while multivitamins and nerve supplements were given intramuscularly to stabilise the horse before further treatment. Haematological findings showed normocytic hypochromic anaemia and are suggestive of regenerative anaemia. Thin blood smear and examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma sp., and it was confirmed as T. evansi through molecular identification. The horse was found dead 2 days after and post‐mortem was conducted. Histopathology revealed that the horse had developed a neurological form of the disease, besides the detection of the protozoa in heart, spleen and kidney tissue. This first positive Surra case in Kelantan, Malaysia, that is bordering Thailand confirms the increasing concern of transboundary infections. In conclusion, Surra is a potential emerging disease and should be considered as differential diagnosis in horses with pale mucous membrane. This condition is particularly imperative in horses found in these regions as Surra is endemic.

Electrocardiographic Changes Associated with Trypanosomiasis in Horses

“…Hematological examinations of the T. evansi infected horses showed that the horses had normocytic and hypochromic anemia, whereas horses infected with T. vivax suffered from normocytic normochromic anemia. These results agree well with previous studies [23,24]. In fact, anemia can be considered the most important and main sign of trypanosomiasis, which is closely related to the degree of parasitism.…”

“…vivax. The clinical findings observed in this study were consistent with those reported in previous studies in horses infected with T. evansi, such as fever, anemia and hindquarter weakness, lethargy, staggering gait, incoordination, and ataxia [23,24]. Hematological examinations of the T. evansi infected horses showed that the horses had normocytic and hypochromic anemia, whereas horses infected with T. vivax suffered from normocytic normochromic anemia.…”

“…Overall, all infected cases were classified as chronic T. evansi with signs of chronic weight loss, impaired performance, fever, and signs of neurological abnormalities including ataxia, incoordination, and hind limb weakness. There is good agreement between these observations with what was recorded by others [20,23,24]. It is rare for chronic trypanosomiasis to be detected in Iraq because animals do not show clear signs as in acute trypanosomiasis.…”