Molecular insights into Trypanosoma evansi prevalence in Dromedary camels of Northern Iran

Camel trypanosomiasis, caused by various haemoprotozoan parasites, is a devastating disease with severe health impacts. Trypanosoma evansi, the most prevalent parasite in camels, causes surra disease, transmitted mechanically by biting flies without an intermediate host. Clinical manifestations include intermittent fever, anemia, loss of body condition, edema, and abortion in infected animals. This study utilized real-time PCR to detect T. evansi in dromedary camels in Golestan province, northern Iran. Using random cluster sampling, 48 blood samples were collected from camels in four counties: Gonbad-e-Kavoos, Kalaleh, Agh-ghala, and Gomishan. Real-time PCR detected T. evansi in 6 samples (12.5%; 95% CI: 3.2-21.8). In Gonbad-e-Kavoos, Agh-ghala, and Kalaleh, 2 out of 12 samples (16.6%) tested positive in each county, while no positive samples were found in Gomishan. High sensitivity and specificity diagnostic techniques are crucial for detecting and controlling the disease. This study confirms the prevalence of T. evansi in Golestan province and demonstrates the utility of real-time PCR for its detection and control.