Abstract:

Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a parasitic disease of both animals and humans that causes serious economic losses to livestock and productivity in both animals and humans in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the sub-counties of Purongo in Nwoya district and Atiak in Amuru district to determine the prevalence of AAT and the role cattle play in the epidemiology of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). A total of 789 cattle were sampled from ten different parishes in the sub-counties of Purongo and Atiak in 201 1. Parasitological techniques of thick smears and bufly coat examinations were used to determine the presence or absence of trypanosomes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to determine the trypanosome species. The overall prevalence of trypanosomes in the study area was 8.7% (69/789) with 6.7% (26/389) and 10.8% (43/400) in Purongo and Atiak sub-counties, respectively. The highest prevalence for Purongo sub-county was recorded in Patira parish with 20.4 % (20/98) followed by Pabit with 12.5% (4/32). In Atiak sub-county, the highest prevalence was in Pacilo parish with 44% (22/50), followed by Okidi parish with 13.0% (14/108). The most common trypanosome species identified were Trypanosoma vivax 87.1% (54/62) followed by Trypanosoma congolense 12.9% (8/62) as confirmed by PCR test. None of the cattle tested had the human infective or mixed animal infective trypanosome. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis was significantly associated with location (p<0.05) but not with age group or sex (p>0.05). In conclusion, the presence ofboth the T. vivax and T. congolense highlights the need for increased surveillance and treatment of animals at point of sale to keep the prevalence low. There is also need to carryout prevalence studies in other sub-counties in the two districts to get the actual prevalence of trypanosomiasis in the two districts.