Some studies on Trypanosomiasis in imported camels

Abstract EN

The present study was carried out to evaluate the percent of Trypanosoma evansi infection among imported camels from Sudan to Egypt during the period of investigation (13 months) in the quarantine period in Abu-Simbel Veterinary Quarantine at the South border of Egypt.

A total number of 396 imported camels were inspected from September, 2014 till September, 2015, clinically examined and sampled for epidemiological studies using thin blood film and PCR techniques for diagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi.

The clinical signs of the examined camels infected by Trypanosoma evansi were in acute form showing poor body condition, rising of body temperature up to (38.81 ± 0.05°C), Hyper-lacrimation with congestion of ocular membranes and edematous swelling in the lower parts of legs were the most prominent clinical findings.

Signs of chronic form of Trypanosoma evansi were general debility and severe emaciation (disappearance of the hump, projections of ribs and atrophy of the muscles particularly thigh muscles), pale mucous membrane of conjunctivae with lacrimation, the camel was yawning, enlargement of lymph nodes particularly superficial cervical lymph nodes, edematous swelling in scrotal sacs with enlargement of testicles and edema in the base of neck and edematous and enlarged prolapsed penis and signs of balanoposthitis.

Numerous ticks were parasitized camels infected with Trypanosoma evansi.

The prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection using blood film technique was 12.17 % among the clinically suspected cases and 0 % among apparently healthy camels (overall prevalence 5.81%).

Whereas, the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection using TBR 1/2 primer-based PCR was reached 48% among clinically suspected camels and 20% among apparently healthy camels (Total prevalence 43.3 %).