Trypanosoma in bovines in Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil)

Abstract

For the first time the presence of Trypanosoma theileri Laveran 1902 was evidenced in a black and white Holstein calf in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The animal was admitted to the UFMS Veterinary Hospital in Campo Grande being presented in a state of cachexia, anemia and having submandibular edema and a brown watery diarrhea. Laboratory examination revealed that the animal had an intense gastrointestinal helminthiasis and accentuated hypoproteinemia. The animal was treated on two occasions with anthelmintics and received two blood transfusions. Approximately one week after the second blood transfusion the clinical condition of the animal became significantly worse and soon after the animal died. Examination of blood films and imprint of organs revealed the presence of innumerable megatrypanosomes with morphologic and biometric characteristics of Trypanosoma theileri. Although this parasite has beer, generally considered nonpathogenic for cattle, in this particular case it may have contributed significantly in the deterioration of the clinical state and final death of the animal.