Expansion of the distribution of Trypanosoma evansi
Molecular evidence in rural dogs from the department of Salto, Uruguay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29155/VET.62.226.5Keywords:
Trypanosoma evansi, Canine trypanosomiasis, Surra, Rural dogs, UruguayAbstract
The objective of this study is to report two cases of canine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi, one of them fatal, in dogs from two rural localities in the department of Salto, Uruguay. These cases occurred in September 2024 and November 2025. Both dogs showed similar clinical signs, complete blood count, and blood biochemistry results, including pale mucous membranes, anorexia, lethargy, fever, and deterioration of body condition. Complete blood count analysis demonstrated anemia, lymphocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical analysis of blood samples revealed hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, and elevated liver enzyme levels. Based on the clinical findings and ancillary test results, a blood sample from each dog was submitted for molecular diagnosis of hemoparasites. Several PCR protocols were employed to amplify DNA targeting the 16S rRNA gene of rickettsiales from the family Anaplasmataceae, as well as the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasms (Babesia and Rangelia), hemogregarines (Hepatozoon), and trypanosomatids (Trypanosoma and Leishmania). Only DNA from the 18S rRNA of trypanosomatids was amplified for both samples, and the amplicons were purified and sent for sequencing. The sequences obtained showed 100 % identity with T. evansi sequences deposited in GenBank. The confirmation of these two cases of canine trypanosomiasis in the department of Salto not only expands the known distribution of the agent within the country, but also places these records among the southernmost reported in the Americas. Molecular diagnosis represents a valuable tool for the detection of hemoparasites in canines, particularly in the context of complex clinical conditions, such as those associated with T. evansi.
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