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Bovine onchocercosis in north Cameroon
1Institut für Tropenmedizin, Tübingen, Germany.
Veterinary Parasitology
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Onchocerca microfilariae, including O. gutturosa, O. ochengi, and O. dukei, were highly prevalent in Gudali and Fulani cattle. Adult Onchocerca armillata worms were also common, with microfilariae concentrated in the upper skin layers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Tropical Animal Health
- Dermatology
Background:
- Onchocerciasis is a significant parasitic disease affecting cattle populations globally.
- Understanding the prevalence and distribution of Onchocerca species is crucial for effective disease management in livestock.
- Previous studies have indicated varying Onchocerca burdens in different cattle breeds and geographical regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and distribution of various Onchocerca microfilariae and adult worms in Gudali and Fulani cattle breeds.
- To investigate potential differences in parasite distribution based on host factors like age, sex, and geographical location.
- To identify potential new Onchocerca species affecting cattle.
Main Methods:
- Ventral skin biopsies were collected from 204 Gudali cattle and 60 Fulani cattle.
- Microfilariae of Onchocerca gutturosa, O. ochengi, and O. dukei were identified and quantified.
- Presence of adult Onchocerca armillata worms was assessed.
- Microfilarial densities and distribution within skin layers were analyzed.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of O. gutturosa (85-92%), O. ochengi (51-83%), and O. dukei (8-47%) microfilariae was observed in both breeds.
- Adult O. armillata worms were found in 67% of Gudali and 100% of Fulani cattle.
- Microfilariae were predominantly located in the uppermost 2 mm of the skin.
- Specific predilection sites for O. ochengi, O. dukei, and O. gutturosa microfilariae were identified.
- Two cattle harbored microfilariae of a potentially novel Onchocerca species.
Conclusions:
- Onchocerca species pose a substantial parasitic burden on Gudali and Fulani cattle in the studied regions.
- Age-related decline in prevalence suggests possible acquired resistance in cattle.
- Microfilariae exhibit distinct distribution patterns within the skin, with a strong preference for superficial layers.
- The discovery of unknown microfilariae warrants further investigation into cattle onchocerciasis in this region.