Molecular identification of trypanosome species in trypanotolerant cattle from the south of Gabon

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide information on trypanosome species infecting trypanotolerant cattle from southern Gabon. The study was conducted on 224 trypanotolerant cattle from three regions located in southern Gabon, using ITS1 primer-based PCR. Seventy-two (32%) N’dama cattle were found polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive with trypanosomes. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 57% (63/110), 4% (4/100), and 36% (5/14) in the Gala section of the Nyanga ranch, the Miyama ranch, and Ossiele, respectively. Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax were identified. In Gala section and Ossiele, T. congolense and T. vivax were found. In the Miyama ranch, only T. vivax was identified. Mixed infections were also found. The forest (9%) and savannah (63%) subgroups of T. congolense were identified. The presence of the two subgroups was detected in 16 out of 56 cattle (29%). T. congolense and T. vivax would appear to be the main agents responsible for bovine trypanosomosis in southern Gabon. Although trypanotolerant, N’dama cattle may serve as a reservoir, and this should be further studied. On the other hand, these trypanotolerant cattle can be reared in such tsetse infested areas, which gives them an advantage compared to other trypanosensitive breeds, and this shows that they represent a key factor in biodiversity which has to be promoted.

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

“…T. congolense and T. brucei , known to be important pathogens of cattle in Africa, were absent in sheep, as reported in the previous studies [ 21 , 25 , 27 ]. Our results support previous studies reporting the presence of these parasites in animals (dogs, cattle, and tsetse flies) at high prevalences [ 15 , 28 - 30 ].…”

“…Many small ruminant herds are present in the villages of Mongo County, located in the province of Nyanga, in South Gabon. In the same region, the presence of trypanosomes has already been demonstrated in cattle herds of the SIAT ranch [ 15 ]. To date, no data on trypanosome infections are available on small ruminants in Gabon.…”

Haematology of N’Dama and West African Short Horn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana

“…Further, none of the livestock keepers who kept such trypanotolerant breeds used trypanocidal drugs regularly to control the infection. According to various researchers ( Dayo et al , 2009; Maganga et al , 2017; Mattioli et al , 1998; Rege et al , 1994; Yaro et al , 2016), trypanotolerant breeds possess the ability to survive, reproduce and remain productive in areas of high tsetse challenge without the need for the use of chemicals to control the vector or drugs to control the parasite, despite being equally susceptible to trypanosome infection. This study thus calls attention to the need to deploy trypanotolerant WASH and N’Dama cattle in integrated tsetse and trypanosomosis control programmes in low-input traditional African farming systems in medium, high and severe tsetse challenge areas.…”

“…Trypanotolerant breeds, although equally susceptible to initial infection by trypanosomes, possess the ability to survive, reproduce and remain productive in areas of high tsetse challenge without the need for the use of chemicals to control the vector or drugs to control the parasite ( Dayo et al , 2009; Mattioli et al , 1998; Rege et al , 1994; Trail et al , 1990; Yaro et al , 2016), where other breeds rapidly succumb to the disease ( Berthier et al , 2015; Mattioli et al , 1998; Murray & Dexter, 1988). The trypanotolerant trait is generally attributed to the taurine breeds of cattle in West and Central Africa, namely, the N’Dama and the West African shorthorn (WASH) ( Hoste et al , 1992; Maganga et al , 2017; Mattioli et al , 1998; Mattioli et al , 1999; Roelants, 1986; Trail et al , 1990; Trail et al , 1994). Similar observations have been made for the Orma Boran X Maasai Zebu (Orma Zebu) crossbred cattle in East Africa ( Maichomo et al , 2005; Mwangi et al , 1998a; Mwangi et al , 1998b).…”

Comparison of three methods for diagnosis of Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax in cattle

“…Clinical signs along with the use of accurate diagnostic tools are required to confirm the presence of T. vivax. There are several methods for detection of animal trypanosomiasis, including parasitological, immunological and molecular methods, with varying advantages and disadvantages depending on the stage of disease at which they are applied (Osório et al, 2008;Ramírez-Iglesias et al, 2011;Maganga et al, 2017). In view of the need to develop efficient control strategies and considering the paucity of published information on T. vivax infection in many countries, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacies of three different diagnostic tests for detecting T. vivax infection in cattle.…”