Trypanocide Use and Molecular Characterization of Trypanosomes Resistant to Diminazene Aceturate in Cattle in Northern Côte D’Ivoire

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.