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Tropical animal health and production1994; 26(2); 95-101; doi: 10.1007/BF02239908

Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense and T. vivax infections in horses on a farm in Kenya.

Abstract: Equines are particularly susceptible to infection with Trypanosoma evansi and T. brucei, but rarely is natural T. congolense and T. vivax infection seen in horses. An outbreak of trypanosomosis occurred in a herd of horses used for patrolling the pineapple fields on the Del Monte Farm, Thika, Kenya initially involving 6 horses. On subsequent screening of the entire group, T. brucei, T. congolense and T. vivax infections were detected in 16 of the 35 horses. The tests used for diagnosis included microscopic examination of stained blood smears, buffy coat technique, mouse inoculation and antigen detection enzyme immunoassay (antigen ELISA).
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Publication Date: 1994-05-01 PubMed ID: 7941037DOI: 10.1007/BF02239908Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 article focuses on an outbreak of trypanosomosis, a parasitic disease, in a group of horses on a farm in Kenya. It reveals that 16 out of 35 horses were infected by three different types of Trypanosoma.

Introduction to the Research

  • The research was about an outbreak of trypanosomosis, a parasitic disease, in horses on a farm in Thika, Kenya.
  • The infection, typically found in animals and cattle, was noted to have impacted a herd of horses used to patrol Del Monte Farm’s pineapple fields.

The Outbreak

  • The initial outbreak involved 6 horses, and upon subsequent screening of the entire group, Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, and T. vivax infections were detected in 16 out of the total 35 horses.
  • This occurrence is quite rare, as horses are generally susceptible to T. evansi and T. brucei but seldom to T. congolense and T. vivax.

Diagnosis and Detection Process

  • The team employed a variety of tests to diagnose and confirm the infection.
  • Methods included the microscopic examination of stained blood smears, buffy coat technique, mouse inoculation, and an antigen detection enzyme immunoassay, known as antigen ELISA.

Interpretation and Implications of the Research

  • The detection of these uncommon infections in horses suggest an expansion of the spectrum of hosts for these parasites.
  • This research points towards the necessity of advanced screening and precautionary measures to prevent and manage outbreaks like this in the future, especially in regions where these parasites are prevalent.
  • Moreover, these findings can prompt similar studies and investigations in other regions to establish the prevalence, host range, and behavior of these parasites.

Cite This Article

APA
Kihurani DO, Nantulya VM, Mbiuki SM, Mogoa E, Nguhiu-Mwangi J, Mbithi PM. (1994). Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense and T. vivax infections in horses on a farm in Kenya. Trop Anim Health Prod, 26(2), 95-101. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02239908

Publication

Tropical animal health and production
ISSN: 0049-4747
NlmUniqueID: 1277355
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 26
Issue: 2
Pages: 95-101

Researcher Affiliations

Kihurani, D O
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Nantulya, V M
    Mbiuki, S M
      Mogoa, E
        Nguhiu-Mwangi, J
          Mbithi, P M

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Diminazene / analogs & derivatives
            • Diminazene / therapeutic use
            • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
            • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horse Diseases / parasitology
            • Horses
            • Kenya / epidemiology
            • Trypanocidal Agents / therapeutic use
            • Trypanosoma brucei brucei
            • Trypanosoma congolense
            • Trypanosoma vivax
            • Trypanosomiasis, African / drug therapy
            • Trypanosomiasis, African / epidemiology
            • Trypanosomiasis, African / parasitology
            • Trypanosomiasis, African / veterinary

            References

            This article includes 7 references
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            Citations

            This article has been cited 5 times.
            1. Fetene E, Leta S, Regassa F, Büscher P. Global distribution, host range and prevalence of Trypanosoma vivax: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2021 Jan 25;14(1):80.
              doi: 10.1186/s13071-021-04584-xpubmed: 33494807google scholar: lookup
            2. Giordani F, Morrison LJ, Rowan TG, DE Koning HP, Barrett MP. The animal trypanosomiases and their chemotherapy: a review. Parasitology 2016 Dec;143(14):1862-1889.
              doi: 10.1017/S0031182016001268pubmed: 27719692google scholar: lookup
            3. Da Silva AS, Garcia Perez HA, Costa MM, França RT, De Gasperi D, Zanette RA, Amado JA, Lopes ST, Teixeira MM, Monteiro SG. Horses naturally infected by Trypanosoma vivax in southern Brazil. Parasitol Res 2011 Jan;108(1):23-30.
              doi: 10.1007/s00436-010-2036-2pubmed: 20820805google scholar: lookup
            4. Raftery AG, Gummery L, Garcia K, Mohite D, Capewell P, Sutton D. Equine trypanosomiasis, a systematic review: Disease management. Equine Vet J 2026 Mar;58(2):320-332.
              doi: 10.1002/evj.70136pubmed: 41429593google scholar: lookup
            5. Raftery AG, Gummery L, Garcia K, Mohite D, Capewell P, Sutton DGM. Equine trypanosomiasis, a systematic review and meta-analyses: Prevalence, morbidity and mortality. Equine Vet J 2026 Mar;58(2):291-319.
              doi: 10.1111/evj.70101pubmed: 41131780google scholar: lookup
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