Trypanosoma evansi infection in camels in Jordan

Abstract

A total of 257 camels in different districts of Jordan were used in the present study. These areas included Jordan Valley (140 camels), Al-Safawi (51 camels), Ramtha (36 camels) and Amman (30 camels). Blood samples were collected from camels into tubes containing anticoagulant. Blood smears were prepared from each blood sample and stained. Blood samples were also inoculated in immunosuppressed mice. Results indicated that Trypanosoma evansi was present in 132 camels. Infection rate of trypanosomiasis was 33% by direct smear stain technique and 51% by mouse inoculation. The highest rate of infection was reported in Jordan Valley from April to September. All 65 affected camels in the acute form of the disease showed signs of fever, anorexia, weakness, severe anemia and leukocytosis. Hematological examination revealed that all 65 camels were heavily infested with T. evansi. Sixty-seven camels showed low parasitemia with no evidence of clinical trypanosomiasis. In 125 camels, clinical signs were not observed, nor was T. evansi found in the blood. All camels treated with melarsomine in a dose of 0.25 mg/kg body weight recovered although 18% required 2-3 treatments.