Detection and management of latent infection of Trypanosoma evansi in a cattle herd

A study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of PCR based method for detection of T. evansi and to know its efficacy of corresponding trypanocidal treatment. A total of 101 random blood samples collected from the dairy farm were examined for the presence of Trypanosoma evansi infection. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using 21/22 mer primers, targeting repetitive sequence probe pMuTec 6.248 to yield 227 bp products was employed. The PCR detected 46.5% animals positive for T. evansi infection in comparison to only 6.9% detected by microscopy using Giemsa stained blood smears. Treatment of infected animals with Triquin (quinapyramine sulphate and chloride) showed improvement in general body condition within a period of two weeks. Results of PCR were also negative for T. evansi in all the post treatment blood samples. Subsequently all the 1400 animals at farm were treated with Triquin. After a period of one month, significant increase in levels of RBC, Hb and HCT and return of the values of BUN and TBIL of treated animals towards normal endorsed the effectiveness of the treatment.