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Review
. 2013:2013:321237.
doi: 10.1155/2013/321237. Epub 2013 Sep 18.

Trypanosoma evansi and surra: a review and perspectives on transmission, epidemiology and control, impact, and zoonotic aspects

Marc Desquesnes  1 , Alan Dargantes, De-Hua Lai, Zhao-Rong Lun, Philippe Holzmuller, Sathaporn Jittapalapong
Affiliations
Review

Trypanosoma evansi and surra: a review and perspectives on transmission, epidemiology and control, impact, and zoonotic aspects

Marc Desquesnes et al. Biomed Res Int. 2013.

Abstract

This paper reviews the transmission modes of Trypanosoma evansi. Its worldwide distribution is attributed to mechanical transmission. While the role of tabanids is clear, we raise questions on the relative role of Haematobia sp. and the possible role of Stomoxys sp. in delayed transmission. A review of the available trypanocidal drugs and their efficacy in various host species is useful for understanding how they interact in disease epidemiology, which is complex. Although there are similarities with other mechanically transmitted trypanosomes, T. evansi has a more complex epidemiology due to the diversity of its hosts and vectors. The impact of clinical and subclinical disease is difficult to establish. A model was developed for buffaloes in the Philippines, which could be transferred to other places and livestock systems. Since Trypanosoma evansi was reported in humans, further research is required to investigate its zoonotic potential. Surra remains a potentially emerging disease that is a threat to Australia, Spain, and France. A number of questions about the disease have yet to be resolved. This brief review of the basic knowledge of T. evansi suggests that there is renewed interest in the parasite, which is spreading and has a major economic impact.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Some of the potential vectors of Trypanosoma evansi in Thailand.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Potential role of Haematobia sp. (a) Common level of infestation by Haematobia sp. on the back of a cattle, Thailand (one Stomoxys sp. also visible); (b) Haematobia species (2.5–4 mm).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Nzi trap. A universal trap able to catch tsetse flies, tabanids, and Stomoxys, especially efficient for large size tabanids.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Vavoua trap. A trap designed for tsetse flies, especially efficient for Chrysops and Stomoxys.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Smoke released to protect horses from biting flies, Surat Thani, Thailand.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Mosquito net system on a stable to protect a horse against biting flies in an area of high infestation, Ratacha Buri, Thailand.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Fly proof system with mosquito net for cattle stable (Nakhon Sawan, Thailand).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Desquesnes M, Holzmuller P, Lai D-H, Dargantes A, Lun Z-R, Jittaplapong S. Trypanosoma evansi and Surra: a review and perspectives on origin, history, distribution, taxonomy, morphology, hosts, and pathogenic effects. BioMed Research International. 2013;2013:22 pages.194176 - PMC - PubMed
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