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Abstract The appraisal of the disease burden of African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) in some livestock at country level could invite a re-evaluation of trypanosomiasis-control strategy. This study thus estimates small ruminant and porcine trypanosomiasis prevalence in sub-Saharan African countries. It also describes Trypanosoma species prevalence in small ruminants and pigs and attempts identification of factors explaining between-study variations in prevalence. Articles reporting animal trypanosomiasis prevalence in sheep, goats, and pigs in countries within sub-Saharan Africa were retrieved from different databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online) and reference lists of relevant literatures. A total of 85 articles from 13 countries published between 1986 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Overall random-effects meta-analytic mean prevalence estimates were: 7.67% (95% CI: 5.22–10.49), 5.84% (95% CI: 3.81–8.23), and 19.46% (95% CI: 14.61–24.80) respectively, for sheep, goats, and pigs with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = >95.00%. p < 0.0001) noted between studies. Ovine, caprine, and porcine prevalence were highest in Tanzania (91.67%. 95% CI: 76.50–99.84), Equatorial Guinea (27%. 95% CI: 0–81.09), and Cameroon (47%. 95% CI: 29.67–66.06), respectively. Trypanosoma brucei s. l. , T. vivax, and T. congolense were the most prevalent in the livestock. Trypanosoma brucei subspecies (T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense) occurred in all three livestock being mostly prevalent in pigs. Country of study was a significant predictor of trypanosomiasis prevalence in each livestock in addition to time and sample size for caprine hosts, diagnostic technique for both caprine and ovine hosts, and sample size for porcine hosts. The pattern of animal trypanosomiasis prevalence in the studied livestock reflects their susceptibility to trypanosomal infections and tsetse fly host feeding preferences. In conclusion, sheep, goats, and especially pigs are reservoirs of human infective trypanosomes in sub-Saharan Africa; consequently, their inclusion in sleeping sickness control programmes could enhance the goal of the disease elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To unravel equid trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma evansi in Punjab state of India, a cross sectional study was designed by utilizing parasitological and sero-molecular tools with objective to assess the prevalence of T. evansi in association with various risk factors in all agroclimatic zones of Punjab state of India. Parasitological Romanowksy stained thin blood smears (RSTBS) to detect patent infection, molecular techniques polymerase chain reaction I (PCR I; TBR 1/2 primers; targeting minichromosomal satellite DNA of T. evansi ), polymerase chain reaction II (PCR II; TR 3/4 primers; targeting variable surface glycoprotein region DNA of T. evansi ) & LAMP (Loop mediated isothermal amplification) assay to detect latent infection and serological assays card agglutination test (CATT/ T. evansi ) & ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) to detect exposure status of trypanosomosis were utilized in the present study. A total 429 equid blood and serum samples from all the five agroclimatic zones of Punjab state tested by these techniques showed a prevalence of 1.39% (CL: 0–15.28) by RSTBS, 6.52% (10.94–45.09) by both TBR 1/2 PCR and LAMP assay, 5.82% (11.57–38.42) by TR 3/4 PCR, 15.15% (36.57–135.42) with CATT/ T. evansi and 22.84% (17.77–840.22) with ELISA. Interpretation of various risk factors revealed that the donkey/mules population (RR = 5.46, 95% [CI] = 0.15–15.56) was found to be at higher risk of T. evansi infection predominantly at ‘unorganized’ farms (RR = 4.06, 95% [CI] = 0.12–4.51). Animal used for commercial purposes (RR = 3.25, 95% [CI] = 0.06–7.42), rearing of equids with other domestic animals (RR = 2.36, 95% [CI] = 0.10–17.11) and farms without application of fly repellant/insecticides/net (RR = 3.68, 95% [CI] = 0.08-5.94) made them more prone to the disease. This comprehensive report utilizing the classical, serological and molecular diagnostic tools for epidemiology of T. evansi establishes the endemic stability of this infection in all agro climatic zones of Punjab with LAMP assay to be a promisingly sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of T. evansi under isothermal conditions in field situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a disease of livestock that directly hinders livestock production and therefore impedes the socio-economic development of sub-Saharan Africa. The establishment of the Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) was to enhance the goal of elimination and eradication of tsetse flies and AAT from endemic countries in Africa. In order to achieve AAT eradication, a five-step progressive control pathway (PCP) model has been proposed. The data presented in this report demonstrates that Nigeria is highly endemic of AAT and that it is yet to comprehensively approach the process of eradication as it is at the infancy stage of data gathering and processing. This review is thus presented to serve as a wake-up call to all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts in approaching the painstaking process of AAT eradication in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is a parasitic disease that causes serious economic losses in livestock from anemia, loss of condition, emaciation and death in untreated cases. It is one of the major constraints to improved livestock production and productivity in Ethiopia. Entomological and parasitological surveys were conducted in the Omo-Ghibe tsetse belt of south Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the apparent tsetse density (AD), and identify the potential risk factors. For the parasitological study, blood samples were collected from 1508 cattle sampled from 11 districts and assayed using the buffy coat technique and Giemsa-stained thin smears. For the entomological survey, a total of 216 biconical and NGU traps were deployed in all districts. The overall animal-level prevalence of trypanosomosis was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.5, 9.3). The trypanosome species identified were Trypanosoma congolense (75.4%), T. vivax (20.3%), T. brucei brucei (1.7%) and mixed T. congolense/T. vivax (2.6%). Regarding the entomological survey result, a total of 2243 tsetse flies were captured which identified to be Glossina pallidipes (85.1%) and G. f. fuscipes (14.9%). Besides, other biting flies of the genus Stomoxys (n = 146) and Tabanus (n = 17) were also trapped. The AD noted in the present study was 3.5 flies/trap/day. Both the prevalence of trypanosomosis and AD of tsetse flies were significantly ( p < 0.05) influenced by altitude. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was also significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with poor body condition score, black coat color and lower mean packed cell volume while no significant prevalence difference was noted along with age and sex category. In conclusion, the present study suggested that trypanosomosis is an important disease of cattle in the Omo-Ghibe tsetse belt in dry season. The disease is mainly caused by the most pathogenic T. congolense and transmission is predominantly by tsetse flies, particularly G. pallidipes . The study warrants the need for strengthening the vector and parasite control interventions in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]