Development of an antibody-ELISA for seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in equids of North and North-western regions of India.

The research creates an ELISA test using the Trypanosoma evansi parasite to study its presence in the equine population in north and north-western India. The study found an 11.36% prevalence of the parasite in these regions, highest in Uttar Pradesh.

Development of the Antibody-ELISA

• The research revolves around Trypanosoma evansi, a parasite responsible for surra, a tropical disease mostly affecting horses, camels, and dogs.
• Accurate diagnosis of this disease can often be challenging hence necessitating the development of an antibody-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
• This generic ELISA was created using an antigen made from the lysate of purified trypanosomes – a type of parasite that includes Trypanosoma evansi.
• The purpose was to identify the prevalence or seroprevalence (presence of specific antibodies in the blood serum) of T. evansi in equids, a family of animals that includes horses, donkeys, and zebras.

Research Methodology and Findings

• A total of 3695 equids were surveyed between September 2009 and August 2011 across eight states in the Northern and Northwestern regions of India.
• Blood samples were collected from each animal and tested with the antibody-ELISA for presence of T. evansi antibodies.
• Out of the total, 420 serum samples tested positive indicating a presence of T. evansi infection.

Geographical Spread of T. evansi

• The positive samples came from equids across six different agro-climatic zones spanning eight states in Northern and Northwestern regions of India.
• The number of positive samples varied across the states with the highest percentage of infection found in Uttar Pradesh state at 19.69%.
• The overall seroprevalence in North and Northwestern regions of India was calculated at 11.36%.
• The results showed that surra, the disease caused by T. evansi, is endemic to these regions and prevalent among the equid population.