Trypanosoma spp. in Swedish game animals

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Health
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Trypanosoma species are protozoan parasites with diverse hosts, including wildlife.
• Understanding the prevalence of Trypanosoma in game animals is crucial for wildlife health management and disease surveillance.
• Previous research on Trypanosoma in Scandinavian game animals is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and prevalence of Trypanosoma species in Swedish game animals.
• To compare the efficacy of isolation, PCR, and serology for Trypanosoma detection in wildlife.
• To identify Trypanosoma species affecting game animals in Scandinavia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serum and blood samples from 36 game animals (ruminants and wild boar) from 2007-2009.
• Detection of Trypanosoma using isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serological assays for anti-trypanosoma IgG antibodies.
• Partial DNA sequencing of the 18S ribosomal gene for parasite identification.

Main Results:

• Trypanosomes were isolated from two animals (roe deer and European elk).
• Eight animals showed detectable parasite DNA, and seven had high antibody titers.
• DNA sequencing identified the isolated strains as Trypanosoma theileri.
• Wild boar samples showed no direct Trypanosoma detection but high serological positivity in four out of seven.

Conclusions:

• Trypanosomiasis is frequently occurring among Swedish game animals.
• The study provides the first evidence of Trypanosoma in Scandinavian game animals.
• Combined diagnostic methods are effective for detecting Trypanosoma in wildlife populations.