Stercorarian trypanosomes from deer (Cervidae) in Germany

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Health
• Protozoology

Background:

• Trypanosomes are protozoan parasites with diverse hosts and transmission cycles.
• Previous research on trypanosome infections in Old World Cervidae is limited.
• Stercorarian trypanosomes, transmitted via feces, are known from various mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of trypanosome infections in different deer species in the Old World.
• To characterize morphometrically the trypomastigotes found in infected deer.
• To identify the trypanosome subgenus involved in these infections.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, and moose between April and November 1983.
• Microscopic examination was performed to detect trypanosomes.
• Morphometric analysis of bloodstream trypomastigotes was conducted for species identification and comparison.

Main Results:

• Infections were detected in 57% of roe deer, 67% of red deer, and 43% of fallow deer; moose were negative.
• Significant morphometric differences were observed in trypomastigotes from the three infected deer species.
• The findings suggest the presence of trypanosomes belonging to the subgenus Megatrypanum.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first report of stercorarian trypanosomes in Old World Cervidae.
• The identified trypanosomes represent new descriptions of the subgenus Megatrypanum in roe, red, and fallow deer.
• Further research is warranted to understand the epidemiology and pathogenicity of these trypanosomes in deer populations.