Homogeneity of Trypanosoma evansi isolates from domestic and sylvatic mammals from the Pantanal of Mato Grosso.

The research aims to study the homogeneity of Trypanosoma evansi, the agent causing ‘Mal de Cadeiras’–a deadly disease in horses, in domestic and wild animals from the Pantanal Matogrossense region. The study provides insights into the transmission cycle of this disease and correlates the economic losses due to this in cattle farming.

About the Disease and its Causative Agent

• ‘Mal de Cadeiras’, widespread in the Pantanal Matogrossense region, results in high mortality rates among horses, impinging on the regional cattle farming industry.
• The disease is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, a kinetoplastid flagellate which is part of the Trypanosomatidae family, classified into the Salivarian section. It is transmitted via blood-sucking Diptera, mainly Stomoxys sp. and Tabanus sp., and vampire bats.

Analysis and Results

• The researchers used ten recent isolates of T. evansi from coatis (a type of small mammal), horses, and dogs for a comparative analysis. A process called schizodeme analysis was used, which involves the DNA being digested by the restriction enzyme Hin fl.
• This analysis revealed that the electrical profiles of the T. evansi isolates were similar across all the different sources (coatis, horses, and dogs).

Implications and Hypotheses

• The researchers concluded that the homogeneity of the T. evansi isolates from both domestic and wild animals could indicate one of two possible scenarios:
• The parasites circulated in only one transmission cycle; or
• Independent cycles had not been established for long enough to bring about observable changes in the isolates’ molecular profiles.

Overall Impact-Potential

• Both these hypotheses could have strong implications for controlling the transmission of ‘Mal de Cadeiras’, potentially reducing its impact on horses in the Pantanal Matogrossense region and easing the associated economic pressure on the cattle farming industry.