Camel trypanosomosis in Morocco. 2. A pilot disease control trial

A first epidemiological study on camel trypanosomosis was conducted in 1997 and 1998 in five Moroccan Saharan provinces. It revealed two major foci at Merzouga (Tafilalet province) and Zagora (Ouarzazate province) where tour camel seroprevalences were 35.4 and 43.3%, respectively, for each region. The first area was chosen in the present study as a pilot region for a control program based on epidemiological data with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of the trial in terms of seroconversion, incidence and health condition. After finding the endemic focus at Merzouga, four other field studies were organised in this area, at 4-month intervals, in order, firstly, to control the camel reservoir by treating all the camels found in the region during the visit using melarsomine (Cymelarsan, Rh?ne-Mérieux, the only trypanocide registered in Morocco), and, secondly, to collect blood samples for studying temporal changes in seroprevalence as well as in anaemia rate. All the 291 tour camels of the area, that were present in at least one of the field visits were examined and included in the trial. Among them, 162 were treated once, 84 twice and 41 three times. A total of 676 serum samples were collected from these camels. At the end of the trial--1 year later--seroprevalence had dropped from 58% (May 1998) to 19% and the mean Ab-ELISA value had decreased from 0.52 (before treatment) to 0.12 (which is below the threshold level), after the third campaign. The haematocrit of the animals was also slightly improved, indicating that trypanosomosis was a major cause, but it was not the only incriminated factor. A seasonal effect was observed. The overall seroprevalence was reduced between spring 1999 and summer 1999, without treatment, whereas a negative effect was recorded on packed cell volume, more camels being found anaemic in summer than in spring. The application of these strategic treatments was associated with a large reduction in the seroprevalence of trypanosomosis, but there was no complete eradication because of the continual exchange of animals from other foci such that of Zagora. The overall seroconversion after 1 year reached 55% and no post-treatment complication was recorded, whereas the incidence due to new infections approached 4.3%. Moreover, several factors like the unusual way of life of the dromedaries, including stress, excessive work, overcrowding and continual contact with other animals coming from other infected regions contribute to the persistence of the disease.     

Surveys in Papua New Guinea to detect the presence of Trypanosoma evansi infection

OBJECTIVE: To confirm serological evidence that Trypanosoma evansi is present in Papua New Guinea. DESIGN: Three surveys were undertaken in PNG during 1997/1998. Animals were selected for sampling on the basis of convenience. Samples of blood were examined for the presence of T evansi by the haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT) and mouse inoculation test (MI). Sera were tested in the field using the card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis/T evansi (CATT). Bovine sera were tested at James Cook University using an antibody-detection ELISA (Ab-ELISA). Results from testing bovine sera with the Ab-ELISA and sera from wallabies with the CATT were analysed using FreeCalc to determine the probability that animals in these populations were infected with T evansi. RESULTS: A total of 545 serum samples were collected, during the three surveys of which 39 cattle, two pig and three agile wallaby samples were positive with the CATT. All bovine sera collected were negative when tested with an Ab-ELISA. T evansi was not isolated using the HCT or the MI from any of these animals. CONCLUSION: Based on the Ab-ELISA results it was concluded that T evansi infection was not present in cattle in villages around Balimo at a minimum expected prevalence of 10% (P < 0.05) and, based on the CATT results, that infection was not present in wallabies on the Bula plain at a minimum expected prevalence of 10% (P < 0.1). These results indicate that it is unlikely that T evansi is endemic in PNG.     

Camel trypanosomosis in the Canary Islands: assessment of seroprevalence and infection rates using the card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi) and parasite detection tests

Trypanosomosis due to Trypanosoma evansi (surra) is a major enzootic disease of the dromedary camel. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess seroprevalence and infection rates in the Canary Islands using antibody(-card agglutination test-CATT/T. evansi) and parasite detection tests (micro-Haematocrit Centrifugation technique, Giemsa stained blood smears, microscopic examination of lymph node aspirates and mouse inoculation). PCV was also determined. 745 dromedary camels (483 females and 262 males) were examined. Trypanosomes were detected in seven animals. 36 animals yielded CATT positive results while 709 animals were negative. All parasitologically positive animals were also CATT positive. Results showed a good correlation between CATT positive and low PCV and a higher seroprevalence in older animals. Trypanocidal drugs have not been registered in Spain and, consequently, if vigilance is not exercised the prevalence could be increased in the future.     

Comparison of serological tests for equine trypanosomosis in naturally infected horses from Kazakhstan

In this study, we compared the complement fixation test (CFT), the horse complement fixation test (HCFT) and a card agglutination test for trypanosomosis (CATT/T. evansi) for the diagnosis of equine trypanosomosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Cohen's kappa test was used to evaluate the concordance between the three tests. Kappa scores for CFT versus HCFT and CATT are both 0.6165 (95% Confidence Interval CI 0.414--0.819) indicating a "substantial" agreement between CFT and HCFT or CATT, respectively. Kappa for HCFT versus CATT is 0.395 (CI 0.142--0.648) indicating a "fair" agreement between the two tests. In the absence of a golden standard, seroprevalence and sensitivity and specificity of the three tests were estimated using maximum likelihood estimation. CFT has a sensitivity of 57.2% (CI 31.5--79.5%) and a specificity of 95.8% (CI 89.2--98.5%), HCFT has a sensitivity of 80.6% (CI 44.1--95.6%) and a specificity of 99.5% (CI 90.7--100%), CATT has a sensitivity of 80.2% (CI 44.5--95.2%) and a specificity of 98.5% (CI 79.5--99.9%). The seroprevalence of equine trypanosomosis in Kazakhstan was estimated at 16.4% (CI 9.4--27.0%). The data suggest that for epidemiological studies and the control of equine trypanosomosis serological tests prove useful since they have a high specificity and a satisfactory sensitivity. Field applicable tests, such as CATT/T. evansi may be used to replace laboratory-based tests, such as CFT and HCFT.     

Detection of Trypanosoma evansi in camels using PCR and CATT/T. evansi tests in Kenya

Camel trypanosomosis (Surra) causes high morbidity and is an impediment to the camel husbandry in Kenya. The lack of a sensitive diagnostic test has hindered the collection of accurate epidemiological data and institution of control programmes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Kenya to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) and to compare four diagnostic tests: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi), microhaematocrit centrifugation technique (MHCT) and mouse inoculation (MI). A total of 549 camels were randomly sampled. The overall prevalence of Surra was 5.3% using MHCT, 26.6% using PCR and 45.9% using CATT/T.evansi. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between PCR and CATT/T.evansi test, MHCT and MI in detection of T. evansi. The prevalence of T. evansi was 39.8% in Samburu, 24.7% in Nanyuki and 14.4% in Isiolo districts using PCR. A male camel was 2.6 times more likely to be infected with T. evansi compared to a female camel (OR = 3.0% CI: 1.6, 4.1), while an adult camel was 2.2 times more likely to be infected compared to non-adults (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.0). There was a poor association between the presence of the published clinical signs and seropositivity (kappa = 0.12), PCR (kappa = 0.11) and MHCT (kappa = 0.05). However, there was a higher agreement between farmers' classification of disease with the PCR test (kappa = 0.5, n = 61). The mean PCV varied with age, presence of infection, locality and gender, with the lowest mean PCV being recorded in MHCT-positive animals (20.97 +/- 0.5) and from infected calves (19.5 +/- 1.2). This study shows that PCR was more sensitive in detecting T. evansi than other tests used. Further, the prevalence of T. evansi in the camel herds sampled is higher than that previously reported in Kenya, and that the judgment by camel keepers may be a reliable "pen-side" diagnostic test for Surra. Considering the low sensitivity of parasitological techniques in detection of chronic T. evansi infection and high cost of PCR, development of a sensitive pen side diagnostic test, with a low cost is still a priority.     

Evaluation of antigen and antibody rapid detection tests for Trypanosoma evansi infection in camels in Kenya

The card agglutination test for Trypanosoma evansi (CATT/T. evansi) for the detection of antibodies, and Suratex for the detection of circulating antigens were compared in a cross-sectional study involving camels in eastern and central parts of Kenya. Of the 2227 camels screened, 2038 were owned by nomadic pastoralists in T. evansi endemic areas in eastern Kenya. A herd of 86 camels were from a ranch in Mugwoni. In Athi River area, 35 camels belonged to Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute, and 68 were slaughter animals. Diagnostic sensitivity estimates were obtained by testing sera from 51 camels that had been found to be parasitologically positive by the haematocrit centrifugation technique, buffy-coat technique and mouse inoculation. Diagnostic specificity was estimated by testing sera from 35 camels known to be trypanosome-free. Positive and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated using a range of prevalence values. The sensitivity of CATT/T. evansi (68.6%) was higher than that of Suratex (58.8%), but not significantly. Both tests had equally high specificity (100%). The overall prevalence was 2.3% (51 out of 2227) by parasite detection, 32.2% (327 out of 1017) by CATT/T. evansi and 19.6% (188 out of 961) by Suratex. Overall, there was a positive association between CATT/T. evansi and Suratex though the strength of association was low (McNemar's test=46.12, P=0.001; kappa=0.26, CI: 0.20-0.33). Parasite prevalence ranged from 0% in several herds to 27.8% in a herd in Isiolo. Prevalence was highest in Isiolo with 2.5% (51 out of 2030) by parasitological detection, 38.8% (321 out of 828) by CATT/T. evansi and 21.9% (169 out of 772) by Suratex. In Mugwoni prevalence was 7 and 18% by CATT/T. evansi and Suratex, respectively, and no parasites were detected. In Athi River Suratex detected 2.9% (3 out of 103) positive while CATT/T. evansi and parasitological methods gave negative results. At prevalence values between 10 and 100%, CATT/T. evansi as well as Suratex had infinitely high positive predictive values, whereas Suratex had a lower NPV than CATT/T. evansi. In conclusion, results of this study showed that CATT/T. evansi and Suratex were able to detect aparasitaemic infections rapidly and were more sensitive than parasitological methods in revealing the true extent of trypanosomosis in a herd. The tests effectively complemented parasitological methods in the detection of T. evansi infections in camels.     

The development and validation of an antibody-ELISA to detect Trypanosoma evansi infection in cattle in Australia and Papua New Guinea

Trypanosoma evansi is exotic to Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). However, it might have been introduced to Papua (Indonesia); thus, there is a risk of it entering PNG and thence Australia. Because of logistical difficulties in PNG and northern Australia, surveillance for T. evansi must rely on serological tests. The accuracy of an Ab-ELISA using a detergent extract of T. evansi and three antigen fractions purified from the detergent extract using stepwise precipitation with saturated ammonium sulphate (AS) were compared. The ELISA using the AS 40-50% fraction had greater discriminatory power compared to the ELISA using the other antigen fractions. This ELISA then was compared with two commercial tests: the Card Agglutination Test for trypanosomiasis/T. evansi (CATT) and Suratex. CATT/T. evansi at 1/4 serum dilution has higher sensitivity and the ELISA has higher specificity. There is no likely benefit in combining antibody detection tests to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. Furthermore, the combination of Suratex (which was independent of the antibody tests) with the CATT or the ELISA did not improve the sensitivity. None of the tests was sufficiently sensitive to be used confidently to determine freedom from infection in animals imported into Australia from countries where T. evansi infection is endemic.     

Evaluation of the card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi) for detection of Trypanosoma evansi infection in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt

A card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi) was evaluated for detection of antibodies against Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) in experimentally and naturally infected buffaloes. Four calves were inoculated with a strain of T. evansi isolated from a dromedary camel. Parasitological examination of the calves revealed trypanosomes in the blood from days 4 to 9 post-inoculation (PI). General emaciation appeared from day 26 PI and aggravated until the end of the experiment (day 88 PI). Antibodies against T. evansi were detectable from day 8 PI till the end of the experiment. Parasitological examination of 200 water buffalo blood samples obtained from slaughterhouses revealed negative results. Serological examination of these animals showed that 48 (24%) water buffaloes had anti-T. evansi antibodies.     

Comparison of serological tests for Trypanosoma evansi natural infections in water buffaloes from north Vietnam

In the present study, a collection of 415 water buffalo serum samples originating from the north of Vietnam was used for evaluation of different diagnostic antibody detection methods available to detect infections with Trypanosoma evansi. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of a direct card agglutination test (CATT/T. evansi), an indirect card agglutination test (LATEX/T. evansi) and a newly developed antibody detection ELISA (ELISA/T. evansi) was calculated on the basis of parasitological results, obtained by mouse inoculation, and compared for all assays. The immume trypanolysis assay with the predominant T. evansi RoTat 1.2 variable antigen type was used as reference test for antibody presence. All parasitologically confirmed animals (n=8) were positive in all tests. Diagnostic specificity was highest in CATT/T. evansi (98%) followed by the ELISA/T. evansi (95%) and the LATEX/T. evansi (82%). Concordance of the variant specific immune trypanolysis test with the other tests was calculated and revealed that few (1-8%) false positive results were actually due to a specific reactions, and that LATEX/T. evansi and ELISA/T. evansi detected more immune trypanolysis positives than the CATT/T. evansi. It was concluded that, apart from the immune trypanolysis test, which is not generally applicable, ELISA/T. evansi with a 30% positivity cut-off and LATEX/T. evansi, thanks to their superior capacity of detecting T. evansi specific antibodies, would be suitable as epidemiological tools detecting both active infections and persisting T. evansi specific antibodies. The ELISA/T. evansi with a 50% positivity cut-off and the CATT/T. evansi on the other hand, seem more appropriate to detect true infected water buffaloes.     

PCR amplification of RoTat 1.2 VSG gene in Trypanosoma evansi isolates in Kenya

A direct card agglutination test for Trypanosoma evansi, CATT/T. evansi based on the predominant variable antigen-type (pVAT) RoTat 1.2 was evaluated previously in the field in Isiolo District, Kenya. Sixteen out of 51 (31.4%) parasitologically positive camels were negative by the antibody detection test. In the present study, trypanosomes isolated from the camels were analysed in an attempt to determine the cause of the false negative results of CATT/T. evansi. A total of 20 field isolates comprised 16 stocks from camels that were negative by CATT/T. evansi, and 4 from CATT/T. evansi-positive camels. In addition, 15 known T. evansi and four T. brucei were used as reference. Purified DNA samples were tested using an established RoTat 1.2-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that yields a 488 bp product for the specific detection of T. evansi. Antibodies to RoTat 1.2 variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) were used in Western blotting to detect RoTat 1.2 VSG linear epitopes. Results of PCR and Western blot showed that the 16 stocks isolated from CATT/T. evansi-negative camels fell into three groups. In Group 1, both the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene and the VSG were absent in three stocks. In five trypanosome stocks in Group 2, the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene was detected, but Western blot was negative indicating absence of the expressed VSG. Five other stocks containing the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene were also in this group. The RoTat 1.2 VSG gene was detected and Western blot was positive in all four trypanosome stocks in Group 3. All four stocks from CATT/T. evansi-positive camels contained the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene and the expressed VSG. The reference T. evansi KETRI 2479 lacked the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene and there was no immune reactivity detected by Western blot. The rest of the reference T. evansi stocks examined contained the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene. All the four T. brucei samples examined were negative by PCR and Western blot. In conclusion, this study showed that the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene was absent from some T. evansi trypanosomes in Kenya.     

Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in horses in Israel evaluated by serology and reverse dot blot

Trypanosoma evansi is the cause of surra in horses, camels and other domestic animals. Following the first outbreak of surra in horses and camels in Israel in 2006, a survey of the prevalence of the parasite in the Israeli horse population was conducted using serology, PCR followed by the reverse dot blot (RDB) technique and blood smear microscopy. In total, 614 horses from 7 regions were sampled. The CATT/T. evansi kit was used for serology for all the horses. Horses from the Arava and Dead Sea region, where the first outbreak occurred, were sampled again one year later and both samples were subjected to serology and the RDB technique. The country wide seroprevalence was 4.6% (28/614). The seroprevalence in the Arava and Dead Sea region was 6.5% (9/139) in the first sampling compared with 4.1% (5/122) in the second, whereas the prevalence of RDB-positivity was 18.7% (26/139) in the first sampling and only 0.8% (1/122) in the second. All horses were asymptomatic except for one horse from the Arava and Dead Sea region that demonstrated clinical signs of surra combined with positive serology and RDB. The results of this study indicated that surra is prevalent in most regions of the country and thus should be considered an important differential diagnosis in horses and other domestic animals in Israel with chronic weight loss, edema or neurological signs.     

The expression of RoTat 1.2 variable surface glycoprotein (VSG) in Trypanosoma evansi and T. equiperdum

In order to define whether the variable antigenic type RoTat 1.2 is restricted to Trypansoma evansi and could be used as antigen in serological tests to differentiate T. evansi from Trypansoma equiperdum, the appearance of RoTat 1.2-specific antibodies in rabbits, experimentally infected with T. evansi and T. equiperdum, respectively, was analyzed. Ten strains of T. evansi and 11 strains of T. equiperdum originating from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America were tested. Rabbit pre-infection sera and sera of days 7, 14, 25, 35 post-infection (p.i.) were analyzed for the presence of antibodies reactive with RoTat 1.2 in immune trypanolysis, ELISA/T. evansi and CATT/T. evansi. Within the duration of the infection (maximum 35 days), all T. evansi as well as 9 out of 11 T. equiperdum infected rabbits became positive in all these tests. The rabbits infected with T. equiperdum OVI (South Africa) and BoTat 1.1 (Morocco) remained negative in the immune trypanolysis test although the latter rabbit became positive in the CATT/T. evansi and ELISA/T. evansi. On the contrary, both rabbits were positive in immune trypanolysis when tested against their respective infecting population. From these data, we conclude that most T. equiperdum strains express isoVATs of RoTat 1.2. This explains, in part, why antibody tests based on T. evansi RoTat 1.2 cannot reliably distinguish between infections caused by T. evansi and those caused by T. equiperdum unless it can be proven that most described T. equiperdum are actually misclassified T. evansi.     

Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection and associated risk factors in camels in eastern Chad

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection (Surra) in herds of camels from the eastern area of Chad. The risk factors associated with disease were also identified. From August 1997 to April 1998, a random sample of 2831 camels from 136 herds was selected. Blood samples were collected and examined for the presence of T. evansi using an antibody (card agglutination test-CATT/T. evansi) and a parasite detection test (buffy-coat technique-BCT). Standardized questionnaires with information about the host and management practices were collected and evaluated for their association with seroprevalence (model 1) and parasitological prevalence (model 2) as indications of host sensitivity. In both models, risk factors were selected using ordinary logistic regression (OLR) and herd effect was evaluated using a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model. The apparent prevalence was 5.3% using BCT and 30.5% with CATT. Real prevalence was estimated at 16.9% +/- 1.4 (alpha = 5%). Overall, 27.9% (BCT) and 94.9% (CATT) of the herds had a least one-positive animal. Real herd prevalence was estimated at 42.6 +/- 8.3% (alpha = 5%). Camels of the large transhumants had the highest prevalence (estimated to 30.3% +/- 2.5; 62.9 +/- 12.0 in herds). Risk factors associated with seroprevalence were age, ethnic group, length of seasonal migration and longitude of pasture area in the dry season. Risk factors associated with BCT prevalence were age, length of seasonal migration, longitude of pasture area in the dry season, latitude of pasture area in the rainy season and season of sampling.     

Bovine trypanosomosis in the Bolivian Pantanal

Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax has been a constraint for cattle production in the Bolivian lowlands, since it was introduced in 1996. Flooded areas like the Bolivian Pantanal have a suitable environment for the presence and transmission of Salivarian trypanosomes and farmers from that region often report trypanosomosis-like problems on their farms. The objective of the present study, therefore, was to characterize the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomosis in the Bolivian Pantanal. In order to achieve this objective, 202 cattle from the province of Angel Sandoval and 209 cattle from the province of German Busch were randomly sampled (the Pantanal is located in both provinces). Twenty-nine farms in both provinces were visited, the farmers interviewed, and biologic samples collected from their cattle. Samples were submitted for parasitological and PCR evaluation and the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was estimated for each province. Laboratory results were correlated with the sampled animals packed cell volume (PCV) and body condition (BC) scores and the observed T. vivax parasites measured for morphometry analysis. Results from this study show differences in morphometric measures between T. vivax parasites from each province. Differences between provinces were also observed in the T. vivax-related disease situation. While in Angel Sandoval the PCV and BC of T. vivax-affected animals were significantly lower than those of the T. vivax-negative animals, in German Busch no differences were observed in the PCV and BC of T. vivax-positive or negative animals. Animal prevalence of T. vivax in Angel Sandoval was 27.79% (95% CI: 14.52-44.28) and in German Busch was 19.03% (95% CI: 9.19-30.75). The T. evansi animal prevalence in each province was 0.99% (95% CI: 0.27-2.99) and 5.71% (95% CI: 2.43-12.19), respectively. Based on questionnaire and laboratory results, it was concluded that trypanosomosis is a primary constraint for cattle production in the Bolivian Pantanal.     

A longitudinal epidemiological survey of bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors in the White Volta river basin of Northern Ghana

A longitudinal epidemiological survey of bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors was carried out in the Volta river basin of Northern Ghana to determine the relationship between cattle management and the incidence of bovine trypanosomosis. Two groups of sentinel cattle under different systems of management, classified as "fully-sedentary" and "partially-sedentary" (depending on the type of management) were followed over a 1-year period starting from March 2003 onwards. Cattle were screened at intervals of 3 months using the buffy coat technique (BCT). Buffy coat specimen from animals that were positive for the BCT and those that were negative, but with a packed cell volume (PCV) of less than 21% were further tested using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasma from all animals were tested for antibody using the indirect antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Trypanosomosis challenge was determined in tandem with the epidemiological survey with watering sites of sentinel cattle being the foci of interest. The parasitological prevalence at the start of the survey was higher in the fully-sedentary group (9%) than in the partially-sedentary group (3%). In subsequent visits, however, the parasitological incidence was consistently higher in the partially-sedentary group than in the fully-sedentary group. The mean seroprevalence (ELISA) of both groups increased from 3% in March to 54% in December. Statistical analysis of the serological results using a random effect logistic regression, showed a significant difference in incidence of bovine trypanosomosis between the two groups. There was also a significant effect of time. The influence of cattle herding on host-vector-parasite interface and its consequence on the incidence of trypanosomosis are discussed.     

The role of wild rodents in the transmission of Trypanosoma evansi infection in an endemic area of the Canary Islands (Spain)

Trypanosoma evansi was diagnosed for the first time in camels in the Canary Islands in 1997. Several sanitary measures including treatment of infected animals were taken; however, nowadays a little area is still infected. In order to determine possible reservoirs 138 wild rodents were trapped, 64 of them in the infected farms and the remaining 74 in other areas. The captured species were Rattus rattus (24), Rattus norvegicus (69) and Mus musculus domesticus (45). Serological (CATT/T. evansi), parasitological (micro-Hematocrit Centrifugation technique and stained smears) and molecular (PCR) methods for T. evansi and T. lewisi were used as diagnostic methods. None of the examined rodents was positive for T. evansi; 18, however, showed motile trypanosomes at micro-Hematocrit Centrifugation technique and resulted positive for T. lewisi by PCR. The results would suggest that the studied rodent species would not play a relevant role in the epidemiology of T. evansi infection in Canaries.     

Brucellosis and Q-fever seroprevalences of nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in Chad

As a part of a research-and-action partnership between public health and veterinary medicine, the relationships between the seroprevalences of brucellosis and Q-fever in humans and livestock were evaluated in three nomadic communities of Chad (Fulani cattle breeders, and Arab camel and cattle breeders). Nomad camps were visited between April 1999 and April 2000. A total of 860 human and 1637 animal sera were tested for antibodies against Brucella spp., and 368 human and 613 animal sera for Coxiella burnetii. The same indirect ELISA was used for livestock and human sera, and the test characteristics for its use on human sera were evaluated. Twenty-eight people were seropositive for brucellosis (seroprevalence 3.8%). Brucella seroprevalence was higher in cattle (7%) than other livestock, and brucellosis seropositivity was a significant factor for abortion in cattle (OR=2.8). No correlation was found between human brucellosis serostatus and camp proportions of seropositive animals.

Q-fever-seropositive blood samples were taken from 11 Arab camel and 4 Arab cattle breeders (seroprevalence 1%). Being a camel breeder was associated with Q-fever seropositivity in humans (OR=9). Camels had the highest Q-fever seroprevalence (80%) among livestock species.

Although there was high-risk human behaviour for the acquisition of brucellosis and Q-fever from livestock through raw-milk consumption (98%) and contact with placentas of livestock (62%), we concluded that seroprevalences in humans were relatively low (likely due to limited active foci in livestock).     

Trypanosoma evansi experimental infection in the South American coati (Nasua nasua): clinical, parasitological and humoral immune response.

The course of Trypanosoma evansi infection in coatis (Carnivora, Procionidae) was followed for 262 days. Parasites were detected in all infected animals from day 2 post infection until the end of the study. No correlation between temperature and parasitemia was observed. Animals of the infected group demonstrated depression, weakness, lethargy and pale mucous membranes. Indirect fluorescent antibody tests detected anti-T. evansi antibodies within 7 to 14 days post infection and showed high levels until the end of the experimental period. The persistent parasitemia in coati and their relative tolerance to clinical signs suggested that this species develops a chronic disease and plays an important role in the epidemiology of trypanosomosis due to T. evansi in enzootic regions.     

Community Perceptions of Important Camel Diseases in Lapur Division of Turkana District,Kenya

This paper presents the results of a study conducted in Lapur Division of Turkana District, Kenya, to estimate the incidence and mortality of camel trypanosomosis using participatory methods. Four livestock camps ('adakars') were conveniently selected for the study. Four informant groups comprising 6 8 key persons were used for the participatory exercises. The camel diseases identified by the pastoralists in their order of importance according to annual incidence were: trypanosomosis (11.4%); mange (10.8%); tick infestation (7.9%); haemorrhagic septicaemia (7.7%); and non-specific diarrhoea (7.6%). Almost half (49.3%) of the camel population suffered from at least one disease over the previous year. The annual incidence and mortality rates of trypanosomosis were estimated at 15%, and 9.9%, in adult camels and 6.9% and 5.2%, in young camels, respectively. There was a seasonal occurrence of trypanosomosis, with most cases reported in the dry season. The prevalence levels of the disease reportedly declined from about 100%, in 1978 to an almost stable state of about 15% in 2002. This study revealed that camel trypanosomosis is still an important disease in Turkana District, exacting a heavy toll in terms of morbidity and mortality. The economic losses due to the disease were likely to have been great owing to the central role the camel plays in this arid district of Kenya.