A Review of Trypanosomosis-Induced Reproductive Dysfunctions in Male Animals

Abstract

Trypanosomosis has been recognized as one of the major limitations to livestock production in the African continent. In addition to its clinical manifestations such as weight loss, lethargy, weakness and dullness, reproductive organs are also affected which has led to reduction of fertility in infected farm animals. This paper highlighted the major dimensions of reproductive dysfunctions induced by African animal trypanosomosis in male animals with emphasis on ruminants and simultaneously discussed how the pathogenesis lead to the observed reproductive disorders with the aim of identifying areas of ambiguity where further research need to be focused. Testicular degeneration, reduced libido, orchitis and poor semen characteristics have been established in infected males. Studies of receptors of these reproductive hormones under trypanosomosis infection are very rare in literature and hence, the involvement of endocrine glands most especially the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus remains inexplicit enough. A sequential investigation of the relationship between the concurrent pathological changes in reproductive and endocrine organs, reproductive hormones and their respective receptors as well as the reproductive performance of animals suffering from trypanosomosis are suggested. This will improve our knowledge on the pathogenesis of trypanosomosis as it affects reproduction while promoting development and implementation of strategies to contain the disease in food animals.

Keywords: Trypanosomosis, testis, pituitary, hypothalamus, sperm, infertility.