Adaptation and evaluation of an ELISA for Trypanosoma evansi infection (surra)in elephants and its application to a serological survey in Thaïland

Camoin Margot, Kocher Arthur, Chalermwong Piangjai, Yangtara Sarawut, Thongtip Nikorn, Jittapalapong Sathaporn, Desquesnes Marc. 2018. Adaptation and evaluation of an ELISA for Trypanosoma evansi infection (surra)in elephants and its application to a serological survey in Thaïland. Parasitology, 145 (3) : pp. 371-377.

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182017001585

Journal article ; Article de revue à facteur d'impact

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Quartile : Q2, Sujet : PARASITOLOGY

Liste HCERES des revues (en SHS) : oui

Thème(s) HCERES des revues (en SHS) : Psychologie-éthologie-ergonomie

Abstract : Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of surra, is widespread in domestic livestock and wildlife in South East Asia. Surra can affect cattle, buffaloes, horses and also Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Despite the 'threatened to extinction' CITES status of elephant, surra's impact has not been thoroughly assessed yet in this species. This work offers to adapt an antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol, to detect Trypanosoma evansi antibodies in elephant serum. The test was validated with 365 negative-reference samples, which allowed the determination of a 16% positive threshold. The test was applied to a serological survey including 375 individuals. The estimated global seroprevalence was 2·1% (95% CI 1·1–4·2%). Therefore, surra does not appear to be endemic in Thai domestic elephants, but occasional outbreaks were reported to our laboratory during the survey period. These outbreaks seemed to be linked to close proximity to cattle or buffaloes, and led to severe clinical signs in elephants. Frequent relapses were observed after treatment with diminazene aceturate, the only trypanocide drug currently available in Thailand. Therefore, care should be taken to keep elephants away from bovine reservoirs, and to monitor the disease in this endangered species. ELISA proved to be reliable for screening purposes as well as for post-treatment monitoring.

Mots-clés Agrovoc : Éléphant d'Asie, Trypanosoma evansi, Surra, Test ELISA, Sérologie, Faune, Bétail

Mots-clés géographiques Agrovoc : Thaïlande, Asie du Sud-Est

Mots-clés complémentaires : Elephas maximus

Classification Agris : L73 - Animal diseases
U30 - Research methods
P01 - Nature conservation and land resources

Champ stratégique Cirad : Axe 4 (2014-2018) - Santé des animaux et des plantes

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