TITLE:
Distribution, Clinico-Pathologic Perspectives and Zoonotic Potentials of Trypanosoma evansi
AUTHORS:
Oremeyi Zaynab Tenuche, Enid Godwin, Amina Mohammed Bello, Simon Ikechukwu Enem, Godwin Onyemaechi Egwu
KEYWORDS:
Trypanosoma evansi, Surra, Zoonosis, Diagnosis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Trypanosoma evansi is a protozoan parasite causing “Surra”, a disease of livestock and wildlife across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Transmitted by biting flies, it infects diverse animal species and causes substantial economic losses. Although human infections are rare, emerging cases highlight their zoonotic potential, particularly in genetically susceptible or immunocompromised individuals. Limited awareness and non-specific symptoms may lead to underdiagnosis, emphasizing the need for further research on its public health impact. Indiscriminate use of trypanocides, interference with vaccination programs, and preponderance of hematophagous arthropods (vectors) also exacerbate the onset of disease. Detection of trypanosomes in circulation utilizing conventional parasitological techniques is inadequate, and greater than 70 percent of infections are cryptic and undetectable by direct microscopy. The other most common tests employed are Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Card Agglutination Test for T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi) and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)-based techniques. Furthermore, evidence from studies has demonstrated that the need to adopt effective control measures requires an integrated approach through proper management, effective use of chemotherapeutics, chemoprophylaxis and vector control. This review was conducted through a comprehensive survey of the available literature on Trypanosoma evansi and Non-Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomosis (NTTAT). Relevant publications were identified using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This review provides an overview of the economic importance, epidemiology, geographical distribution, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, emerging zoonosis, pathology, diagnosis and control of Trypanosoma evansi, while also emphasizing the existing challenges and outlining future research directions.