Detection of human-infective trypanosomes in acutely-infected Jack Russel from Zambia’s south Luangwa national park by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Abstract

A two-year old female Jack Russel dog, from Mfuwe, within Zambia’s South
Luangwa National Park (SLNP), was presented to a local Veterinary Clinic in
Lusaka, exhibiting clinical signs of marked laboured breathing, lethargy and dullness. Further clinical examination revealed congested mucous membranes, rough hair coat, distended abdomen, enlarged lymph nodes and pyrexia of 41.5oC. A diagnosis of acute canine African trypanosomosis was made by microscopic examination of blood smear. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) analysis, using primers specifically  targeting the human serum resistanceassociated (SRA) gene, revealed a monolytic infection with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. The dog died before treatment could be effected. Postmortem examination revealed profound hepatosplenomegally, marked congestion of kidneys, heart and lungs, ascites and hydrothorax. The potential public health implications of this infection are discussed.

Key words: Canine African trypanosomosis; Female Jack Russel dog; Sleeping sickness; South Luangwa National Park, SRA LAMP, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.