Zoonotic aspects

Among etiological agents of NTTAT, Trypanosoma evansi is, to now, the only potentially pathogenic to humans. The mode of transmission is poorly investigated, despite some recent documented cases in Asia and Africa. A lack of innate immune response of an Indian patient was demonstrated in 2005 (ApoL1 non efficient du to a genetic mutation of the encoding human gene), but not for the case evidenced in Viet Nam in 2016. Further investigations are required. Unless T. evansi could be transmitted accidently by inoculation of animal infected blood (veterinarians must be informed of this latter point), the exposed persons are cattle farmers, donkey or camel owners living in close contact with animal infected by surra. The lack of knowledge of medical staff in Asia regarding trypanosomes must be also taken in consideration: information/training of concerned microbiologists and doctors are required. A sensitive and specific serological test for humans is also required, as well as a systematic declaration of suspected or reported case to the OIE NTTAT network, in close relation-ship together with WHO for confirming diagnosis, case control and suramin, the best drug used to cure atypical human trypanosomosis caused by T. evansi.


Contact



Dr Truc Philippe
Network on Atypical Human Infections by Animal Trypanosomes NAHIAT
UMR 177 INTERTRYP IRD CIRAD
Laboratoire de Recherches et de Coordination sur les Trypanosomoses
TA A-17 / G Campus international de Baillarguet
34 398 Montpellier cedex 5, France

email:[email protected]