High Frequency of (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) Type Among (Diptera: Glossinidae) in a Historic Trypanosoma Foci in North-Eastern Gabon: Preliminary Study

A preliminary study in Gabon's Ivindo National Park (INP) revealed a high diversity of Trypanosoma species infecting tsetse flies, with infection rates reaching 31.9% when detected by PCR. The study identified five trypanosome species, including Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, a parasite responsible for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). Conducted in May 2012 using Vavoua traps to capture tsetse flies over seven days, the research analyzed 160 flies, including Glossina palpalis palpalis and other species. The findings suggest that the INP is a significant focus for both human and animal trypanosomiasis, with a Trypanosoma risk index of 7.05 for animals, indicating a need for close monitoring of disease reservoirs in the region.

Mbang Nguema, O. A., Mawili-Mboumba, D. P., Chouaibou, M., Mavoungou, J., M’Batchi, B., & Bouyou Akotet, M. K. (2016). High Frequency of (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) Type Among (Diptera: Glossinidae) in a Historic Trypanosoma Foci in North-Eastern Gabon: Preliminary Study. Journal of Medical Entomology, 53(4), 945–948. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjw047