title: Animal African Trypanosomiasis: Time to Increase Focus on Clinically Relevant Parasite and Host Species.
abstract: Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused by Trypanosoma 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 AAT.
authors.affiliation: Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK. Electronic address: Liam.Morrison@roslin.ed.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Liam J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.affiliation: Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vezza
authors.affiliation: GALVmed, Doherty Building, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH25 0PZ, UK.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rowan
authors.affiliation: Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
authors.forename: Jayne C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hope
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000818:Animals; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends*; D014345:Trypanosoma / Q000502:physiology; D014353:Trypanosomiasis, African / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: African animal trypanosomiasis; Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosoma vivax; bovine; immunology; livestock; trypanosome