African animal trypanosomosis among cattle in West Africa: A meta-analysis of epidemiological record (2000-2025).

Abstract

African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) are blood-parasitic infections transmitted to cattle by tsetse fly with significant economic losses for farmers in West Africa. To estimate the rate of infection among cattle reared in the region to support regional control programs, a meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The study included research articles published between 2000 and June 30, 2025, focusing on the prevalence of AAT in cattle diagnosed by parasitological techniques (Buffy coat or blood smear). A comprehensive search of three databases was undertaken, and the data extracted from 45 eligible studies were subjected to a meta-analysis using a random effect Model. The regional parasitological prevalence was 6.8% (95% CI: 5.0-8.8), while Trypanosoma vivax was the most predominant trypanosome species, 5% (95% CI: 2.9-7.4), followed by Trypanosoma congolense, 2.1% (95% CI: 1.1-3.4); Trypanosoma brucei, 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1-0.8) and Trypanosoma evansi, which has only been reported in Nigeria. The parasitological prevalence varied considerably according to sub-region and country. A higher prevalence was reported in coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea (7.7%, 95% CI: 5.6-10.2) compared to Sahel countries (3.9%, 95% CI: 1.8-6.9); while the highest infection rates were recorded in Benin, 15.7% (95% CI: 1.62-39.8), Togo 10.4% (95% CI: 2.6-22.5), and the lowest in Senegal, 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2-2.9), and Niger, 2.3% (95% CI: 1.0-4.1). As ATT is still the main cause of livestock productivity losses, it is recommended that more regional control efforts be implemented to control and eradicate the disease by 2030.