Prevalence of cattle trypanosomiasis and babesiosis in the western highlands of Cameroon

Abstract

The prevalence of trypanosomiasis was studied in the Sudano-Guinean highlands of western Cameroon in 107 cattle through parasitological examination and serological analysis. Parasitological examination revealed the presence of trypanosomes in cattle with a prevalence of 16.82%, regardless of cattle breed. The highest prevalences were obtained from cross-breeds (23.33%) and Red Fulani (21.74%), followed by Gudali cattle (6.67%). Conversely, serological analysis highlighted antibodies against T.brucei in 42.17 % of cattle. The highest seroprevalences were identified in White Fulani (60.00%), followed in order by the Gudali (37.14%), the Red Fulani (48.15%) and the crossbreeds (21.05 %). Seroprevalence obtained were significantly higher than the parasitological prevalence. The dilutions performed on the positive sera have proven that regardless cattle breed, the level of antibodies produced was generally low. Infestations in trypanosomes have not significantly affected the neither haematocrit nor blood cell counts. Concerning babesiosis, parasitological search revealed 11.20% of cattle infected, with 6.67, 10.87, 6.67 and 20.00% respectively for the white Fulani, red Fulani, gudali and crossbreeds. Infections with Babesia sp did not affect significantly blood parameters studied. Concerning babesiosis, parasitological search revealed 11.20% of cattle infected, with 6.67, 10.87, 6.67 and 20.00% respectively for the white Fulani, red Fulani, gudali and crossbreeds. Infections with Babesia sp did not affect significantly blood parameters studied.

Keywords: prevalence, trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, cattle