A Survey on(Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) Infection in Domestic Animals in a Surra Endemic Area of Southern Algeria.

Abstract

infection is endemic in dromedary camels () of southern Algeria.In order to assess the presence ofin other domestic animals living together with dromedary camels, a study was conducted in the wilayate of Béchar, El Bayadh, Ouargla and Tamanrasset, between 2015 and 2017. Authorisation to conduct the survey was obtained from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries). A total of 190 animals were sampled, including 42 cattle (), 11 dogs (), 44 horses (), 3 donkeys () and 1 mule, 49 goats () and 40 sheep (). These animals were examined by parasitological (Giemsa stained thin smear, GST), serological (card agglutination test for trypanosomosis (CATT/), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/Variant Surface Glycoprotein/Rode Trypanozoon antigen type 1.2 [ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2], immune trypanolysis [TL]) and molecular tests (type A specific RoTat 1.2 PCR).The CATT/was positive in 10/42 cattle, 0/11 dogs, 2/48 equids, 27/49 goats and 15/40 sheep. On the other hand, 20/38 cattle, 1/9 dogs, 21/42 equids, 17/44 goats and 31/39 sheep were positive in ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2. However, no single animal was positive in TL. In addition, the T. evansi parasite could not be demonstrated by either GST or RoTat 1.2 PCR in any of the examined animals. This may suggest cross-reactions of CATT/and ELISA/VSG RoTat 1.2 with other pathogenic or commensal trypanosome species such asor other parasites. Based on these data, in particular taking into account the high specificity of the TL fortype A, this study does not support the hypothesis thatcirculates in the studied domestic animal species and that they would act as reservoirs for the parasite that causes trypanosomosis in dromedary camels.