Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in camels using molecular and parasitological methods in the southeast of Iran, 2011

Surra is caused by infection with the protozoal parasite, Trypanosoma evansi. This parasite was transmitted mechanically by biting flies which is widespread in camels in the world. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of T. evansi in camels in Rafsanjan, Kerman province, southeast of Iran. In this study, 95 suspected camels were randomly selected in 2011. Blood samples were taken from deep blood vessels. Thin and thick blood smears were prepared in laboratory. Blood smears were stained by Giemsa and studied under a light microscope. The positive blood samples were also used for further molecular analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software and P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistical difference. A total of 95 camels were examined for infection with T.evansi using parasitological and molecular methods. The overall prevalence of infection was 2.1 %. It was found that the frequency of infection was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in age group >6 years old than the corresponding younger camels. However, there was no significant difference when the gender was considered. PCR technique confirmed the two infected cases were T. evansi. Results of the present study indicated that surra is present in Rafsanjan county, Kerman province in an infection rate of 2.1 % in camels. To our knowledge, this is the first study reported from this province. Further investigations are needed to focus on vectors and to evaluate the risk factors. © 2013, Indian Society for Parasitology.