Cerebral trypanosomiasis in naturally-infected cattle in the Lambwe Valley, South Nyanza, Kenya

Abstract

Surveys in Zebu cattle in the Lambwe Valley in 1980 indicated that many (up to 70%) were infected with trypanosomes. The predominant parasite was Trypanosoma brucei ssp. followed by T. congolense. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed a high proportion of animals with pleocytosis and elevated total CSF protein. Trypanosomes were detected in CSF and signs of a central nervous system (CNS) disease were observed. Histopathological lesions in the CNS were identical to those found in experimentally-infected cattle and consisted of perivascular infiltrations, swollen endothelium of vessels, infiltration of the vascular wall, and perivascular oedema. The severest cases showed rarefaction, astrocytosis and areas of necrosis. Infected cattle transported to the Veterinary Research Laboratory were studied for up to four years. Absence of trypanosomes from the peripheral blood was common, and even subinoculation of lymph node aspirates and CSF were usually negative. Death was preceded by a period of weight loss and the development of severe CNS signs. An attempt to cure animals with Mel-B treatment failed. Serum from naturally-infected cattle neutralized T. b. rhodesiense stocks collected in the same area.