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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Parasitol / Enzootiology of Trypanosoma evansi in Pantanal, Brazil.
Veterinary parasitology2004; 125(3-4); 263-275; doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.07.013

Enzootiology of Trypanosoma evansi in Pantanal, Brazil.

Abstract: In order to better understand the enzootiology of trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi in the Brazilian Pantanal we examined domestic and wild mammals by microhematocrit centrifuge technique (MHCT), immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). T. evansi infection was detected in all species sampled with exception of the sheep and the feral pig. High parasitemias were observed in capybaras (5/24), coatis (18/115), horses (31/321) and dogs (3/112). Among these species, only the capybaras did not develop anemia. Low parasitemias, only detected by PCR, were found in buffaloes (18/43), bovines (29/331), marsupials (1/4), small rodents (14/67), bats (7/18), and one armadillo (1/8). The highest prevalence of T. evansi infection was recorded in horses (73%), although no neurological signs in infected horses were observed. Diagnosis through standard parasitological tests and IFAT should be used with caution since they may overlook comprovedly infected horses. The relationship between ranch management and T. evansi infection in horse was investigated. The importance of other transmission mechanisms apart from the tabanids and reservoir hosts are discussed.
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Publication Date: 2004-10-16 PubMed ID: 15482883DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.07.013Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focuses on understanding the prevalence and effects of the Trypanosoma evansi infection, a type of parasite, among various wild and domestic animal species in the Pantanal region of Brazil.

Study Methodology

  • To comprehend the enzootiology (study of animal diseases within populations) of trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi, the researchers examined domestic and wild mammals using different medical techniques.
  • These techniques include the Microhematocrit Centrifuge Technique (MHCT), Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Findings and Observations

  • The researchers found T. evansi infection in all species they examined, except for sheep and feral pigs.
  • High levels of the parasite (parasitemias) were found in capybaras, coatis, horses, and dogs. Among these, only capybaras did not display signs of anemia – a common side effect of the infection.
  • Low parasitemia levels, detectable only by PCR, were found in several other species including buffaloes, bovines, marsupials, small rodents, bats, and an armadillo.

Prevalence and Implications

  • The highest prevalence of T. evansi infection was found in horses, with 73% of them found to be infected. Interestingly, the infected horses did not display any neurological symptoms, which are commonly associated with this infection.
  • The researchers highlighted the need for caution when diagnosing T. evansi infection with standard parasitological tests and IFAT, as these tests may miss infected horses.
  • The potential relationship between ranch management practices and the prevalence of T. evansi infection in horses was explored.
  • The researchers also noted the significance of transmission mechanisms other than tabanids (a family of biting flies) and reservoir hosts in the spread of the infection.

Discussion and Conclusion

  • This research can help in informing more effective strategies for managing T. evansi infection among various animal populations, particularly if standard parasitological tests and IFAT are likely to miss infected horses.
  • The discussions on alternate modes of transmission can lead to better prevention and control methods against this parasitic infection.

Cite This Article

APA
Herrera HM, Dávila AM, Norek A, Abreu UG, Souza SS, D'Andrea PS, Jansen AM. (2004). Enzootiology of Trypanosoma evansi in Pantanal, Brazil. Vet Parasitol, 125(3-4), 263-275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.07.013

Publication

Veterinary parasitology
ISSN: 0304-4017
NlmUniqueID: 7602745
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 125
Issue: 3-4
Pages: 263-275

Researcher Affiliations

Herrera, H M
  • Laboratório de Biologia de Tripanosomatídeos, Departamento de Protozoologia, FIOCRUZ/RJ, Pavilhão Carlos Chagas 3 Andar, Av Brasil 4365, CEP 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. herrerra@ioc.fiocruz.br
Dávila, A M R
    Norek, A
      Abreu, U G
        Souza, S S
          D'Andrea, P S
            Jansen, A M

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Animals, Domestic / parasitology
              • Animals, Wild / parasitology
              • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
              • Brazil / epidemiology
              • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
              • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
              • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / veterinary
              • Hematocrit / veterinary
              • Parasitemia / epidemiology
              • Parasitemia / parasitology
              • Parasitemia / veterinary
              • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
              • Tropical Climate
              • Trypanosoma / genetics
              • Trypanosoma / growth & development
              • Trypanosomiasis / epidemiology
              • Trypanosomiasis / parasitology
              • Trypanosomiasis / veterinary

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