Tsetse And Trypanosomosis In Meatu District: Socioeconomic Assessment, Parasitological And Molecular Characterization

ABSTRACT

This study sought to evaluate tsetse and trypanosomes and to investigate the socio economic importance of trypanosomosis in Meatu district where sleeping sickness cases have been reported in villages that border state-protected wildlife parks. Socio-economic data indicated that 77.5% of respondents in the study area were agro-pastoralists. Tsetse flies were well known to be associated with both African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT), which was well known (90%) and Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT) which was fairly known (40%). Abusive use of anti trypanocidal drug in cattle treatment was observed (48.4%) threatening not only the economy but also public health. Significant difference in the occurrence of tsetse species was observed with G. pallidipes contributing 50% compared to G. swynnertoni and G. morsitans. Overall occurrence of animal trypanosomes in cattle was 2.4% with Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax being the main trypanosome species identified microscopically. The packed cell volume (PCV) measurements revealed that prevalence of anaemia was 8.3% but anaemia was not correlated with trypanosomosis. Molecular characterization by PCR revealed T. congolense in cattle and T. simiae as well as T. godfreyi in tsetse. Moreover, phylogenetic tree showed monophyletic nature of the salivaria trypanosomes. However, closely related to other species from different countries the identified species formed distinct clusters themselves with higher significant support. Neither parasitological nor molecular technique identified human-infective trypanosomes. Since the trypanosomosis risk is permanent; its control remains a significant approach in protecting public and animal health against both diseases. Moreover, findings of this study clearly indicate that awareness of HAT is poor whereas current tsetse control practices being not sustainable. Therefore, strategic and integrated control approach involving community should be advocated.