A repetitive DNA sequence specific for Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) godfreyi

The satellite DNA sequence of Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) godfreyi, a recently described parasite of Suidae, was determined. The sequence is 373bp in length, and contains two imperfect internal repeats of approximately 170bp. Like other trypanosome satellite DNAs, it has no extensive open reading frames and is probably non-coding. There is no significant homology with other major repetitive DNAs within subgenus Nannomonas. We have developed a PCR test that is specific for T. godfreyi and used it to identify the parasite in natural tsetse infections from Zimbabwe and Côte d'Ivoire. This test shows no cross reaction with non-target trypanosomes, even within subgenus Nannomonas, and will be invaluable in studies of the prevalence and distribution of T. godfreyi.