Prevalence and molecular diagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi in Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in different districts of Punjab (Pakistan)

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2010 Dec;42(8):1597-9. doi: 10.1007/s11250-010-9616-0. Epub 2010 Jul 31.

Abstract

The prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi was investigated in 1,250 Nili-Ravi buffaloes of mixed age and sex by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the first time in Pakistan. DNA of the trypanosomes was isolated with TRIREAGENT®. The assay was employed using primers ESAG 6/7, specific for a 237-bp fragment from T. evansi genomic DNA. The samples were screened for the presence of T. evansi also by stained thin smear. Forty-four (3.5%) samples were positive by microscopy, while 97 (7.7%) samples were identified by PCR, indicating the high sensitivity of PCR for surveying the disease in epidemiological studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Buffaloes / parasitology*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Female
  • Male
  • Pakistan / epidemiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Prevalence
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Trypanosoma / genetics*
  • Trypanosomiasis / epidemiology*
  • Trypanosomiasis / veterinary*

Substances

  • DNA Primers