Molecular Detection of Trypanosoma species in Cattle Slaughtered at Zango and Yantukwane Abattoirs in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

African animal trypanosomoses constitute the most important vector-borne cattle diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. A total of
170 blood samples were collected from cattle in Zango abattoir and Yantukwane abattoir in Zaria, Kaduna State. Blood
Samples collected were examined for the presence of trypanosomes using the buffy coat technique and Giemsa thin blood
smears which shows a single 1(0.58%; 1/170) infection using microscope. Positive and negative samples were subjected to
further analysis using nested PCR reaction with nested primers for detection of trypanosomes, and 9 of the samples showed
positive bands after gel electrophoresis at 998bp (lane 1-9) indicating the presence of Trypanosoma theileri. Percentage, Chisquare
and Odds ratio were used to analyse the data. A total of 9(5.29%; 9/170) animals were found infected with the parasite
out of which 4(4.65%; 4/85) were found in Zango abattoir, while 5 (5.95%) were found in Yantukwane abattoir. The results
were not statistically (P>0.05) location dependent. The infection in male (6.45%) cattle was higher than the female (4.63%)
with no infection in young animals. No infection was observed in Sokoto Gudali breed, while White Fulani breed had 5.77%.
From this study, it is clear that trypanosomosis is still a major obstacle to livestock production in Zaria and its Environs and
the incidence is majorly in adult cattle. In addition, nested PCR reaction showed more sensitivity than microscopy. Hence,
there is need for proper diagnosis and treatment of animals to promote more beef and milk production for human
consumption. Further study is necessary to determine the pathogenicity of T. theileri in other domestic animals.

Keywords: Trypanosomosis, White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, breed, infection.