Distribution Pattern of Trypanosoma Lewisi in (Rattus Norvegicus) in Egypt

Eman Sayed Mohammed*¹, Asmaa M El Kady², Asmaa Gahlan Youseef³ and Amal A Hassan⁴

Received: August 28, 2018;   Published: September 04, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.08.001688

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Abstract

Background: Trypanosoma lewisi is an extracellular hemoflagellate protozon of rats. T. lewisi was not considered a pathogen for human, However, cases of human trypanosomiasis caused by T. lewisi have been reported

Objective: There is little data on the prevalence of T. lewisi in Rattus norvegicus rats in Egypt, so this study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. lewisi in Rattus norvegicus in Abu Rawash, Giza, Egypt from November 2016 to October 2017.

Materials and Methods: 117 rats were trapped around human population in Abo Rawash, Giza, Egypt. Thin and thick blood films were prepared and examined microscopically. Experimental infections of 8 white rats were done for confirmation of infection and assessment of parasitaemia.

Results: 19 (15.8%) out of 117 Rattus norvegicus were found to be infected with T. lewisi. Experimental infection of 8 white rats confirmed the infection with Trypanosoma lewisi and showed boost in parasitaemia till the 9th day then the level of trypanosomes in blood was constant.

Conclusion: Trypanosoma lewisi is prevalent in examined Rattus norvegicus which reverse that the theory of high immunity of Rattus norvegicus will prevent infection with Trypanosma lewisi.

Keywords: Rodent; Trypanosoma lewisi; Prevalence; Rattus norvegicus; Egypt

Abstract | Introduction | Materials and Methods | Results | Discussion | Conclusion | References |