Abstract:
The resistance of trypanosomes to the doses of trypanocide administered by farmers to their
animals acts as a real brake on efforts to control to combat African trypanosomiasis. Thus, in-depth
knowledge of the use of these different molecules and their resistance profiles will be necessary to
establish an integrated strategy to combat African trypanosomiasis. To achieve these objectives, a
participatory survey among farmers and a resistance diagnosis of trypanosome strains identified
in three regions of northern Côte d’Ivoire (Bagoué, Poro and Tchologo) was carried out using the
PCR-RFLP technique, followed by sequencing of genes of interest. This study made it possible to
identify three molecules that are commonly used by 85% (63/74) of farmers. In descending order
of use, we identified Isometamidium chloride (43%), Diminazene aceturate (28%) and Homidium
bromide (14%). Three species of trypanosomes, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma. theileri and
Trypanosoma vivax, were identified in farms, and only one strain had the adenosine transporter
gene (Trypanosoma congolense), but this strain was sensitive to the Diminazene aceturate molecule.
Comparison of the sequence of this trypanosome strain showed that it is different to the Kenyan
strain diagnosed as resistant to the Diminazene aceturate molecule. This study shows that a variety
of trypanocides are used by farmers, and that the resistance profile of the strains to the Diminazene
aceturate molecule could not be observed. However, it is important to further investigate the other
molecules encountered in Côte d’Ivoire.
