The first case report of trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi in Uruguay

Abstract

Trypanosoma evansi, the causal agent of Surra, is a salivarian African trypanosoma introduced in America during the 15th century. In this study we report the first case of African trypanosomiasis in Uruguay. We describe clinical signs and the evolution of the disease on an Uruguayan Cimarron dog, as well as the isolation and molecular characterization of the Trypanosoma evansi reported strain. This constitutes the first case of Surra in Uruguay, showing the expansion of the parasite to the south of the American continent. Future work is needed to identify the vector and possible reservoirs in order to avoid the spread of the disease. The epidemiological relevance of the findings are discussed.

Keywords: African trypanosomiasis; Epidemiology; Surra; Trypanosoma.