Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection and associated risk factors in camels in eastern Chad.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection (Surra) in herds of camels from the eastern area of Chad. The risk factors associated with disease were also identified. From August 1997 to April 1998, a random sample of 2831 camels from 136 herds was selected. Blood samples were collected and examined for the presence of T. evansi using an antibody (card agglutination test-CATT/T. evansi) and a parasite detection test (buffy-coat technique-BCT). Standardized questionnaires with information about the host and management practices were collected and evaluated for their association with seroprevalence (model 1) and parasitological prevalence (model 2) as indications of host sensitivity. In both models, risk factors were selected using ordinary logistic regression (OLR) and herd effect was evaluated using a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model. The apparent prevalence was 5.3% using BCT and 30.5% with CATT. Real prevalence was estimated at 16.9% +/- 1.4 (alpha = 5%). Overall, 27.9% (BCT) and 94.9% (CATT) of the herds had a least one-positive animal. Real herd prevalence was estimated at 42.6 +/- 8.3% (alpha = 5%). Camels of the large transhumants had the highest prevalence (estimated to 30.3% +/- 2.5; 62.9 +/- 12.0 in herds). Risk factors associated with seroprevalence were age, ethnic group, length of seasonal migration and longitude of pasture area in the dry season. Risk factors associated with BCT prevalence were age, length of seasonal migration, longitude of pasture area in the dry season, latitude of pasture area in the rainy season and season of sampling.