Molecular identification and prevalence of trypanosomes in cattle distributed within the Jebba axis of the River Niger, Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background Trypanosomiasis is a fatal disease that threatens the economy of at least 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly with regard to livestock farming. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle, and molecularly identified the species of trypanosomes in infected cattle and the spatial distribution of trypanosome-infected herds along the Jebba axis of the River Niger. Methods A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted along the Jebba axis of the River Niger by screening cattle from 36 herd clusters by nested PCR using ITS-1 generic primers. Data generated were analysed using the Chi-square test at a 95% confidence interval. Results Microscopic examination revealed three infected cattle out of 398 examined, representing 0.8% prevalence. Twelve animals (3.0%) were positive by PCR. Our results showed a decline in the packed cell volume of infected animals (24.7%). The infection rates were categorized as single infection in 11/12 (91.7%) and mixed infection in 1/12 (8.3%). Animals were most frequently infected by Trypanosoma congolense (50.0%), with T. congolense Savannah being the most prevalent subspecies (71.4%). Aside from the infection rate by age (10.0%) and relative distance of animals from the River Niger (56.2%), statistical differences in every other parameter tested were based on mere probabilistic chance. Spatial data showed that the disease was prevalent among herds located less than 3 km from the River Niger. Conclusions Six species of trypanosomes were identified in cattle herds along the Jebba axis of the River Niger, with T. congolense being the most prevalent. Age and relative distance of herds from the River Niger may be risk factors for trypanosome infection in cattle herds in this area. Graphical abstract

Comparative Sensitivity and Specificity of the 7SL sRNA Diagnostic Test for Animal Trypanosomiasis

“…The parasite Trypanosoma (megatrypanum) theileri is prevalent in cattle throughout the world with surveys indicating a presence in >80% of cattle in the US, Europe and the United Kingdom ( 21 – 25 ). In Sub-Saharan Africa, T. theileri is highly prevalent in the cattle population and coexists with AT-causing trypanosomes ( 14 , 26 , 27 ). T. theileri is transmitted by tabanid flies and is considered a commensal pathogen.…”

Prevalence of Human and Animal African Trypanosomiasis in Nigeria: A Scoping Review

“…Five of these reported infection in cattle - bovine trypanosomiasis. 27,28, 29, 30,31 Two studies investigated trypanosomiasis infection in pigs – porcine trypanosomiasis. 32, 33 Three studies investigated infection in ruminants – sheep, goat, cattle, 34,35,36 while one study investigated in dogs – canine trypanosomiasis.…”

Therapeutic efficacy of β-sitosterol treatment on Trypanosoma congolense infection, anemia development, and trans-sialidase (TconTS1) gene expression

“…Even with the renewed efforts by the scientific communities to control AAT, the disease has continued to pose a great constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa ( Meyer et al, 2016 ; Habeeb et al, 2021 ) mainly because the available trypanocides are faced with major drawbacks ( Assefa and Shibeshi, 2018 ). In light of this, the present study demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of β-sitosterol on T. congolense proliferation, anemia amelioration, kidney damage, and the TconTS1 gene expression.…”

“…These diseases not only affect human or animal health but also affect the economic well-being of the continent ( Sun and Amon, 2018 ). One of the most important tropical diseases is African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) caused by parasitic protozoan species including Trypanosoma congolense (T. congolense) , Trypanosoma vivax (T. vivax) , and Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. brucei brucei) that are spread across the 37 sub-Saharan African countries where they affect livestock production ( Habeeb et al, 2021 ).…”