PREVALENCE OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS IN NIGERIA: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundAfrican trypanosomiasis continues to pose a substantial threat to both human and animal health in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the prevalence of African trypanosomiasis within human and animal populations in Nigeria, the trypanosome species involved, the spread of animal reservoirs, and the variability in diagnostic methodologies employed.Methodology/principal findingsA scoping review was performed, following the methodological framework outlined in PRISMA-ScR checklist. Eligible studies were explored for disease prevalence, causative parasites, reservoir hosts, and diagnostic techniques used. A total of 16 eligible studies published between 1993 and 2021 were retrieved. 13 studies reported the prevalence of African trypanosomiasis in animals, and 3 for humans. Varying prevalence rates were recorded depending on the host population and diagnostic methods employed. The overall prevalence of Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT) and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) was 27.3% (4,404/16,117) and 3.6% (72/1,974) respectively. The highest incidence of HAT was detected using the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT), whereas that of AAT was observed using PCR, followed by microscopy which was the most extensively employed technique in this study. The various diagnostic methods used in various studies showed a variety of sensitivities and specificities, affecting the accuracy of disease detection. Remarkably, domestic animals like cattle, pigs, and dogs were identified as potential reservoirs for the human-infective parasites (T. b. gambiense)in Nigeria.ConclusionThis study highlights the high prevalence rate and complex epidemiology of African trypanosomiasis in humans and animals in Nigeria. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive measures involving both veterinary and human health sectors to combat African trypanosomiasis effectively in Nigeria. Only few studies have investigated the prevalence of HAT in Nigeria. Hence, adequately coordinated epidemiological surveys are imperative to ascertain the true epidemiological status of HAT in Nigeria and inform targeted intervention policies to achieve WHO’s NTD elimination targets in 2030.