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Trypanosoma evansi in capybara from Venezuela
J F Arias1, F García, M Rivera
1Programa de Producción Agrícola Animal, Universidad Nacional Experimental de los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora. Guanare, Estado Portuguesa, Venezuela.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Capybaras in Venezuela were tested for Trypanosoma evansi, a parasite. The study found 9% of capybaras infected and 50% with antibodies, suggesting their role in parasite spread.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Trypanosoma evansi is a protozoan parasite known to affect various animal species.
- Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the world's largest rodents and inhabit diverse ecosystems in South America.
- Understanding the role of wildlife reservoirs is crucial for controlling parasitic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in capybaras during the slaughtering season.
- To assess the potential role of capybaras in the epizootiology of T. evansi in Venezuela.
Main Methods:
- Blood and serum samples were collected from 559 capybaras in El Frio and El Cedral ranches, Venezuela.
- The microcentrifugation technique was used to detect T. evansi in blood samples.
- The immunofluorescence test was employed to detect antibodies against T. evansi in serum samples.
Main Results:
- Trypanosoma evansi was detected in 48 (9%) of the 559 capybaras.
- Antibodies against T. evansi were found in 279 (50%) of the capybaras.
- Infection and antibody prevalence were observed in both study ranches.
Conclusions:
- Capybaras can be infected with Trypanosoma evansi.
- The high prevalence of antibodies suggests significant exposure to the parasite.
- Capybaras may play a role as a reservoir or vector in the epizootiology of T. evansi in enzootic areas of Venezuela.