Animal African Trypanosomiasis: Time to Increase Focus on Clinically Relevant Parasite and Host Species

作者:Morrison Liam J*; Vezza Laura; Rowan Tim; Hope Jayne C
来源:Trends in Parasitology, 2016, 32(8): 599-607.
DOI:10.1016/j.pt.2016.04.012

摘要

Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused by Trypanosome congolense and Trypanosoma vivax, remains one of the most important livestock diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly affecting cattle. Despite this, our detailed knowledge largely stems from the human pathogen Trypanosoma brucei and mouse experimental models. In the postgenomic era, the genotypic and phenotypic differences between the AAT-relevant species of parasite or host and their model organism counterparts are increasingly apparent. Here, we outline the timeliness and advantages of increasing the research focus on both the clinically relevant parasite and host species, given that improved tools and resources for both have been developed in recent years. We propose that this shift of emphasis will improve our ability to efficiently develop tools to combat MT.

  • 出版日期2016-8