Molecular Identification of Trypanosome Species in Cattle of the Mikumi Human/Livestock/Wildlife Interface Areas, Tanzania

Abstract

Trypanosomosis is a major neglected disease of animals and man that causes great negative socioeconomic impact in many African countries. It is caused by protozoan parasites of the blood from the genus Trypanosoma. Previous studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors of trypano-somosis in Tanzania, but none has been done in the human/ livestock/wildlife interface areas of Mikumi National Park. The present study determined prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle blood sampled in five villages of the Mikumi interface areas. Trypanosome species were identified using the nested ITS-PCR and SRA-LAMP. Acquired biodata and spatial information were used for the analysis of risk factors based on the proximity from the park. Data analysis for categorical variables was performed using Chi-square, Fishers exact test, Odds and Risk ratios. Maps were created using the ArcMap ™ version 10.1 GIS software (ESRI 2012). Overall prevalence was 51.47%. Infection significantly varied among the 5 villages (p = 0.0022). The study identified 7 different species of trypano-somes. Trypanosoma simiae had the highest rate of infection 48.15%, followed by T. theileri 26.67%, T. vivax 16.30%, T. brucei brucei 4.44%, T. congolense forest 2.22%, T. simiae tsavo 1.48% and T. congolense kilifi 0.74%. No zoonotic species were identified. High density vegetation (p = 0.0001) and human activity (livestock market and cattle movement) (p = 0.0001) were identified as strong risk factors for infection. Areas with charco dams (p = 0.0001) and those close to tsetse screens and traps (p = 0.0006) had significantly lower infection prevalence. Identifying risk factors, quantifying the risk and doing spatial analysis is essential to determine the control measures to be used in the affected rural communities.