Detection of Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense Specific Li Tat 1.3 Antibodies in Humans and Cattle in Taraba State, North-Eastern Nigeria

In a prevalence study of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in humans and cattle in Taraba State, blood samples from 400 each of humans and cattle were examined for the presence of T. b. gambiense Li Tat 1.3 surface antibodies using the Card agglutination test for T. b. gambiense (CATT). The overall prevalence rates were 1.8% (7/400) and 9.25% (37/400) for humans and cattle respectively. In humans, the highest prevalence of 5.7% (4/70) was observed in Gashaka Local Government Area (LGA). This was followed by Karim Lamido and Ibi LGAs with 3.03% (2/66), and 1.5% (1/66) respectively. There was zero prevalence in Bali, Jalingo, and Wukari. The Prevalence in male 3.5% (6/172) was higher than that in female 0.44% (1/228). In cattle, Gashaka LGA recorded the highest prevalence of 25.7% (18/70) while the least prevalence of 3.0% (2/66) was in Ibi. There was zero prevalence in Jalingo and Wukari. The White Fulani cattle had the highest prevalence of 10.5% (35/332) while 3.2% (2/63) and 0% (0/5) were observed in Bokoloji and Muturu cattle respectively. Prevalence rates were higher in female 9.9% (28/284) and adult cattle 10.1% (35/347) than males 7.8% (9/116) and young 3.8% (2/53). About 21.62% of the sero-positive cattle were also parasitologically positive for trypanosomes of the brucei group, while none of the human samples was parasitologically positive for trypanosomes. This study showed serological evidence of T. b. gambiense infection in humans and cattle population of Taraba State.