Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma congolense were initially thought to be the only species of trypanosomes capable of causing diseases in dogs and cats. However, dogs and cats are challenged by diverse species of trypanosomes with varying virulence and pathogenicity. Dogs may develop clinical trypanosomosis by infection with Trypanosoma evansi but are refractory to Trypanosoma rangeli of man. Recently, a new species, Trypanosoma caninum, of unknown pathogenicity and mode of transmission has been reported in dogs. This review describes canine trypanosomosis as an entity of two types, African and American trypanosomosis. It describes the different species involved in each type of the disease condition, the emerging strains, the biological cycle, distribution, clinical symptoms, the pathology and treatment of various species of canine trypanosomes. It also describes different basic diagnostic techniques currently in use and progress towards development of vaccine.
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