Review article

Camel trypanosomosis - a review

Felicia Nneka Chizoba Enwezor ; Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Anthony Kojo Bedu Sackey ; Department of Veterinary Surgery and Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Camel trypanosomosis (surra), caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is the most important single cause of morbidity and mortality in camels. The disease, transmitted non-cyclically by other haematophagus flies (e.g. Tabanus) is endemic in Africa, Asia and South America, and in addition to camels other species of domesticated livestock are affected. Because of the wide geographic range of surra, its control has attracted international attention, with a focus on formulating and implementing effective strategies aimed at increasing productivity and achieving a decrease in mortality and morbidity. In this review, the clinico-pathological effects of surra are presented, as their understanding may help in the design of effective control. Anaemia appears to be a major component of the pathology of surra. Its development and persistence in the course of the disease induce anoxic conditions which manifest signs of dysfunction in various organs as a result of a fall in tissue pH and vascular damage. This is followed by the release of large quantities of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial enzymes, especially aspartate alanine transferase (AST) and alanine transferase (ALT), among others, into serum, causing further cellular and tissue damage. The net effect associated with the above changes is immunosuppression which later develops and predisposes the animals to other infections and death if untreated. Therefore, emphasis is placed on accurate diagnosis of surra, treatment with effective trypanocidal drugs such as trypan and the use of vector control methods in the control and management of this disease.

Keywords

trypanosomosis; surra; Trypanosoma evansi; Tabanus; anoxia; immunosuppression

Hrčak ID:

31917

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/31917

Publication date:

20.10.2005.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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