Tsetse Invasion as an Emerging Threat to Socioecological Resilience of Pastoral Communities in Karamoja, Uganda

Egeru, Anthony; Opio, Joseph; Siya, Aggrey; Barasa, Bernard; Magaya, John Paul; Namaalwa, Justine

doi:10.3390/su12041599

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 82 publications

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“…[29,30]. Our results align well with those of a previous study [31] that reported a high abundance of Glossina f. fuscipes in the study area. The prevalence of other trypanosome species (T. congolense, T. vivax + T. evansi and T. congolense + T. vivax) were comparably low relative to that of T. vivax.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 92%

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

et al. 2021

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Background Bovine 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. Methodology A 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. Results Of 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). Conclusions Trypanosomosis 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 Abstract

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 92%

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

et al. 2021

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“…T. b. brucei contributes to the economically devastating animal wasting disease Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT), or nagana, across Africa [1,2]. The disease Microorganisms 2021, 9, 2334 2 of 24 is invariably fatal if left untreated, and despite major steps towards the elimination of HAT as a public health issue, AAT remains a threat to animal health and human livelihoods [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bhalin, an Essential Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein of Trypanosoma brucei Linking TbBILBO1 of the Flagellar Pocket Collar with the Hook Complex

et al. 2021

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Background: In most trypanosomes, endo and exocytosis only occur at a unique organelle called the flagellar pocket (FP) and the flagellum exits the cell via the FP. Investigations of essential cytoskeleton-associated structures located at this site have revealed a number of essential proteins. The protein TbBILBO1 is located at the neck of the FP in a structure called the flagellar pocket collar (FPC) and is essential for biogenesis of the FPC and parasite survival. TbMORN1 is a protein that is present on a closely linked structure called the hook complex (HC) and is located anterior to and overlapping the collar. TbMORN1 is essential in the bloodstream form of T. brucei. We now describe the location and function of BHALIN, an essential, new FPC-HC protein. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here, we show that a newly characterised protein, BHALIN (BILBO1 Hook Associated LINker protein), is localised to both the FPC and HC and has a TbBILBO1 binding domain, which was confirmed in vitro. Knockdown of BHALIN by RNAi in the bloodstream form parasites led to cell death, indicating an essential role in cell viability. Conclusions/Significance: Our results demonstrate the essential role of a newly characterised hook complex protein, BHALIN, that influences flagellar pocket organisation and function in bloodstream form T. brucei parasites.

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“…Knowledge of the tsetse fly involves their specific control methods, climate involvements, and other demographics that have significant roles to play in the prevalence of sleeping sickness in these areas [19]. The geographical prevalence of trypanosomiasis in Uganda, over the years, has shifted focus to the West Nile areas of Uganda [20,21].…”

Section: Disease Burden Of Human African Trypanosomiasismentioning

confidence: 99%

Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies

Jamabo,

Mahlalela,

Edkins

et al. 2023

IJMS

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Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed.

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Tsetse Invasion as an Emerging Threat to Socioecological Resilience of Pastoral Communities in Karamoja, Uganda

Cited by 5 publications

References 82 publications

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

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

Bhalin, an Essential Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein of Trypanosoma brucei Linking TbBILBO1 of the Flagellar Pocket Collar with the Hook Complex

Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies

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