TRYPANOSOMA EVANSI INFECTION IN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) OF ARABIAN GULF REGION, AN OVERVIEW (A REVIEW ARTICLE)

Abdulwahhab, Al-Juboori; Maher, Mohammed Bake; Javed, Rashid; Jiji, Panachayil Chacko Kurian; El Sayed, El Refaey

doi:10.21608/mvmj.2016.129846

TRYPANOSOMA EVANSI INFECTION IN CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) OF ARABIAN GULF REGION, AN OVERVIEW (A REVIEW ARTICLE)

Authors

10.21608/mvmj.2016.129846

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis (Surra) is the most important and serious infectious disease of camels (racing and breeding) and is widespread throughout camel-rearing areas, caused by Trypanosoma Evansi which is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions. In UAE and Saudi Arabia, camel trypanosomiasis is responsible for causing heavy economic losses which may be in terms of reduced productivity, emaciation, decrease in milk and meat production, premature births and abortions, mortality, decrease in the physiological vitality of the racing camel and cost of treatment. The disease is transmitted mechanically from camel to camel by biting flies, notably Tabanus species, Haematopota and Pangonia. The disease can attack camel at any stage of its life and repeat infections are common. Trypanosomosis in camels usually occurs in chronic form but may be acute when the animal is under stress, particularly in racing camels and during lactation and pregnancy. The disease is CHARacterized by intermittent fever, progressive anemia, edema of dependent parts of the body, dullness, listlessness, loss of body condition, despite a good appetite, abortion, nasal and ocular discharges, nervous signs and death. The suppressive effects on the immune system of infected camels also become susceptible to other diseases, especially Clostridium perfringens type C infection. Anaemia and edema appears to be a major component of the pathology of surra. The hematological and blood biochemistry parameters of infected camels are decrease in erythrocytes, an increase in lymphocyte, neutrophils, esonophils and monocytes, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoglycemia, serum urea increased, serum iron Abdulwahhab Al-Juboori .et.al., 430 decreased and increase in the levels of serum enzymes (AST, ALT, GOT and LDH). Card agglutination test, antigen enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction have been found most sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of trypanosomiasis. For treatment, quinapyramine salts and melarsenoxyde (Cymelarsan) are very effective and widely used for curative and prophylactic purposes, respectively. Preventive measures before the onset of the disease (Chemoprophylaxis) and curative measures after the disease is clinically evident (Chemotherapy) have shown varying success in controlling and combating the disease.

Keywords