Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is a flagellated protozoan that is mechanically spread through biting flies like Stomoxys, Tabanus and Lyperosia.T. evansi was first isolated in 1880 from diseased equines and camels of Indian sub-continent. It is the parasite of likewise intravascular as well as extra vascular fluids causing “surra” in the subtropical and tropical regions all over the world, including Africa, Asia, and America. It affects a wide range of mammals. It is mostly observed in camelids and equines but camel is the principal host. Trypanosomiasis in Pakistan is prevalent as a major threat to the camels causing heavy financial losses like causing anemia, weight loss, high fever, anorexia, dullness, depression, pale mucous membranes, facial paralysis, and thin hump dropped to one side, abortion in females and even death of camels.Considering the significance and utilization of camels in our country and the substantial losses rendered by trypanosomiasis, the present study was designed to study incidence, hematological alterations and chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis in camels of Bahawalpur district.
For this purpose, 100 camels were examined for Trypanosoma infection. The blood was collected by ear-tip puncture and from Jugular venipuncture. Then thin blood smear slide was prepared and dried up in air and stained with Geimsa's staining method and examined under microscope. Trypanosomes were identified by their morphological characteristics (Chandler and Read, 1961), as described by standard texts like Taylor et al. (2007). Overall incidence of T. evansi in camels was estimated as 20%.
The effect of trypanosomiasis on various blood parameters (Hb, ESR, TEC, TLC, DLC, and PCV) was determined in 30 camels including 15 apparently healthy and 15 trypanosome infected camels to compare normal blood parameters. The remarkable decrease in Hb, TEC, PCV, platelets and lymphocytes were observed while remarkable increase inESR and TLC was observed.Severe leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, eosinophilia and basophilia were also observed in diseased camels.
For chemotherapy, 12 camel’s positive for trypanosomiasis, were divided into three groups (A, B and C). The animals of group A were treated with Imidocarb dipropionate @ 1.2 mg Kg-1 BW I/M, and efficacy of drug was found 50% in camels against trypanosomiasis. The group B was treated with Buparvaquone @ 3 mg/kg BW 1/M and was observed 25% effective. While the group C was treated with Isometamedium chloride(Trypamidium Samorin®, Merial, Pakistan) @ 0.75mg/kg BW I/M, which was found 100% effective. The efficacy of drugs was measured on the basis of disappearance of clinical signs and recovery rate of the animals, and blood smear examination at day 2, 4 and 07 of post-medication.
Finally, the data on hematology were analyzed by Student's T-test using statistical software package SPSS v22 (statistical package for social science), P < 0.05 was considered significant. Considering the significance and utilization of camel in our country and the substantial losses rendered by trypanosomiasis, the present project was designed to record clinical cases and chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis in camels of Bahawalpur districts. The results of this study will help farmers and veterinary practitioners in field.