Detection of Trypanosoma evansi in camel abortions (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran using polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Trypanosoma evansi is a blood parasite protozoan that causes trypanosomiasis or surra in a variety of economically valuedanimals such as cattle and camels. This infection causes abortion in camels. The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence ofTrypanosoma evansi in aborted fetuses of Iranian camels (Camelus dromedarius) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. In thisstudy, 244 abomasal contents of aborted fetuses were collected from an Iranian camel herd in the east of Iran. The results showed that 41of 244 (16.8%) aborted fetuses were infected with Trypanosoma evansi DNA. The results showed that a high percentage of abortions inIranian camel herds were due to Trypanosoma evansi infection. There was a significant difference in positive Trypanosoma evansi DNAin aborted fetuses between sampling locations (P < 0.05).