A high prevalence of mixed trypanosome infections in tsetse flies in Sinfra, Côte d'Ivoire, detected by DNA amplification

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The prevalence of various species and subgroups of trypanosomes in the Sinfra area of C⊚te d'Ivoire was determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using this technique to amplify specific satellite DNA targets, it was possible to identify developmental-stage trypanosomes in the midguts and the proboscides of tsetse without expansion of parasite populations. The predominant tsetse species in the area wasGlossina palpalis, whileG. palliceraandG. nigrofuscawere also present. Microscopical examination of 811 non-teneral flies revealed an infection rate of 14% in midguts and/or proboscides. Three subgroups ofTrypanosoma congolense(Savannah, Forest & Kilifi),T. simiae,T.godfreyi, West AfricanT. vivaxandT. bruceissp. were identified using PCR.T. congolenseForest was the most abundant of theNannomonastrypanosomes. Approximately 40% of all infections were mixed, and there was a significantly higher prevalence of apparently matureT. bruceissp. trypanosomes than has previously been reported. The present study demonstrates that PCR facilitates the easy identification of mature trypanosome infections in tsetse, providing a reliable estimation of trypanosomiasis challenge.