SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article

Front. Vet. Sci., 04 January 2023

Sec. Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology

Volume 9 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.950248

African animal trypanocide resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 1. Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

  • 2. School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda

  • 3. Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China

Abstract

Background:

African animal trypanocide resistance (AATr) continues to undermine global efforts to eliminate the transmission of African trypanosomiasis in endemic communities. The continued lack of new trypanocides has precipitated drug misuse and overuse, thus contributing to the development of the AATr phenotype. In this study, we investigated the threat associated with AATr by using the major globally available chemotherapeutical agents.

Methods:

A total of seven electronic databases were screened for an article on trypanocide resistance in AATr by using keywords on preclinical and clinical trials with the number of animals with treatment relapse, days taken to relapse, and resistant gene markers using the PRISMA checklist. Data were cleaned using the SR deduplicator and covidence and analyzed using Cochrane RevMan®. Dichotomous outputs were presented using risk ratio (RR), while continuous data were presented using the standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval.

Results:

A total of eight publications in which diminazene aceturate (DA), isometamidium chloride (ISM), and homidium chloride/bromide (HB) were identified as the major trypanocides were used. In all preclinical studies, the development of resistance was in the order of HB > ISM > DA. DA vs. ISM (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.54, 0.83; I2 = 46%, P = 0.05), DA vs. HB (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.47, 1.45; I2 = 0%, P = 0.86), and HB vs. ISM (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI: −0.96, 0.14; I2 = 5%, P = 0.38) showed multiple cross-resistance. Clinical studies also showed evidence of multi-drug resistance on DA and ISM (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.71–1.43; I2 = 46%, P = 0.16). To address resistance, most preclinical studies increased the dosage and the treatment time, and this failed to improve the patient's prognosis. Major markers of resistance explored include TbAT1, P1/P2 transporters, folate transporters, such as F-I, F-II, F-III, and polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors. In addition, immunosuppressed hosts favor the development of AATr.

Conclusion:

AATr is a threat that requires a shift in the current disease control strategies in most developing nations due to inter-species transmission. Multi-drug cross-resistance against the only accessible trypanocides is a major public health risk, justifying the need to revise the policy in developing countries to promote control of African trypanosomiasis.

1. Introduction

African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) is caused by infection with parasitic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma (1). Major Trypanosoma species belongs to T. brucei (T. b.) brucei, T. evansi, T. congolense, and T. vivax [see Ref. (2) on AAT]. The major challenge associated with the elimination of AAT is the development of drug resistance, namely, African animal trypanocide resistance (AATr) (35). Previously, resistance was associated with mutations at particular loci in the pathogen's genome. For example, mutations in the TbAT1 and purine transporters (P1/P2) were associated with an increased resistance phenotype in T. brucei isolates (6). Unfortunately, scant attention has been given to the development of novel therapies to address AATr with most funding being pledged for the control of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). The World Health Organization (WHO) has a target of 2030 to eliminate the transmission of HAT [in particular, gHAT (7)]; however, livestock will continue to be sources of reinfection in endemic communities since these will continue to act as reservoirs of infection (810). In developing countries, especially in Africa, the continuous lack of capacity to develop novel therapies against AAT has led to a high reliance on foreign aid and little effort to promote local institutional research to explore novel therapeutical options and build capacity to invest and develop infrastructure in trypanosome chemotherapeutics (11, 12).

Major trypanocides used in Africa include diminazene aceturate (DA), isometamidium chloride (ISM), and homidium bromide/chloride (HB) (13). The established curative properties for DA are 3.5 mg/kg, ISM at 0.5 mg/kg, and HB at 0.02 mg/kg, all administered intramuscularly in cattle (14). The intramuscular route is preferred since most farmers in African farming communities do not have the crushes to effectively restrain the animals before drug administration, leading to the common practice of injecting animals while in motion within a traditional African village enclosure made of a fence (15). Commonly used trypanocides for prophylactic purposes are ISM/HB due to their slow release, leading to their common usage with DA to widen their spectrum of action. This is important since ISM is ineffective against T. evansi (16). DA absorption is mainly through the P2/TbAT1 transporters, while ISM has also been associated with mitochondrial F1F0-ATP synthase activity (17, 18). Other less commonly used trypanocides in AAT include aminoquinaldine (quinapyramine sulfate), which interrupts mitochondrial activity in the parasites while melarsomine dihydrochloride arsenic is hydrophilic and highly trypanocidal (17, 19). Loss of P2/TbAT1 receptors in the pathogen is a cornerstone of AATr. Mutations in the expression of mitochondrial proteins, namely, F1F0-ATP synthase, result in reduced ISM absorption by Trypanosoma species. Furthermore, increased expression of efflux pumps (20) is responsible for increased resistance although studies on this continue to be scarce. The objective of the current study was to quantify evidence on the development of AATr with an emphasis on preclinical and clinical studies.

2. Materials and methods

In this study, emphasis was placed on experimental and qualitative studies conducted on African animal trypanocide resistance. Electronic databases, such as EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CABI Abstracts, and CABI Global Health, were searched for publications while gray literature from an advanced Google Search using the WHO, African Union, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Organization for Animal Health [OIE, currently renamed World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)], Drugs for Neglected Disease International (DNDI), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Coordinating Center for Trypanosomes in Uganda (COCTU), United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), and United States AID (USAID) websites were added. The following search terms used included: “African trypanosomiasis/ or T. brucei/ or trypanosomiasis/ or tsetse fly-borne diseases/ OR bovine trypanosomiasis or Trypanosoma or T. brucei).mp. OR tsetse fly.mp. OR glossina.mp.” AND “T. brucei brucei.mp. OR exp T. vivax/OR exp T. congolense/ OR T. evansi.mp” AND “trypanocides/ or diminazene/ or homidium bromide/ or isometamidium chloride/ or melarsomine/ or quinapyramine/AND trypano* resistance” (see Supplementary material 1).

A total of 54 publications were acquired from the search, that is, 11 publications from Ovid, 2 from NCBI, 37 from Web of Science, and 4 from Google Search by searching several databases up to 4 January 2022 (Table 1).

Table 1

Sn.DatabaseSourceAccessedPapers imported to SR accelerator
1.CABI abstractsOVID1946-week 4 20213
2.MEDLINEOVID1946-week 4 20213
3.EMBASEOVID1976-week 51 20213
4.CABI global healthOVID1973-week 50 20212
5.PubMedNCBIWeek 50 20212
Web of scienceClarivateWeek 50 202137
Google searchDNDIJan 4, 20222
CDCJan 4, 20221
FAOJan 4, 20221
Total54

Papers retrieved from the search of each database.

Publications acquired through this search (Table 1) were subsequently reviewed for relevance based on keywords, title, and abstract (by KIK and ETM). The selected publications were thoroughly screened by the SR deduplicator to remove duplications and scored for relevance by independent scholars (ETM and SCW). After resolving publication conflicts, the selected publications were searched for the full text and subsequent analysis using the PRISMA checklist (Figure 1). Furthermore, three more publications were identified by reviewing references in review articles and one from Google (n = 4), which were included among the papers eliminated during the data cleaning process (Figure 1) to generate a total of 54 research publications included in this systematic review. From the database registries, only 20 out of 50 publications were included after removing duplicates, ethnopharmacology articles, and review articles. From Google Search, only one out of four articles was added, while from the citation reviews within the review articles, three articles were included, leading to a total of 24 articles included for data extraction.

Figure 1

2.1. Statistical analysis

Data on the detection of AATr were presented as proportions, fixed, and random-effects models, and Begg's test and Egger's test were conducted to assess publication bias at a 95% confidence interval. Dichotomous data were analyzed using inverse variance at a 95% confidence interval, and the risk ratio was calculated using the fixed model, while continuous data were analyzed using standard mean difference, and random effect sizes were computed using RevMan® provided by Cochrane.

3. Results

3.1. Description of study articles by geographical distribution

A total of eight quantitative studies and 16 qualitative studies were identified in this study (Table 2). Only 4 out of 24 studies were cross-sectional studies that reported a prevalence of AATr ranging from 3.7% in Uganda (21) to 20.8% in Cameroon (41).

Table 2

StudyStudy typeStudy designPathogen/gene targetHostLocation of the studySample size (N)Prevalence (n, %)
Afewerk et al. (22)QuantitativeCross-sectional study and experimentalT. congolenseCattle (B. indicus)Metekel Administrative Region, 550 km north west of Addis Ababa48483, 17.2%
Codjia et al. (23)QuantitativeExperimentalT. congolenseEast African Zebu (B. indicus) from Ghibe, EthiopiaKenyaNANA
Clausen et al. (24)QuantitativeExperimentalT. congolense/T. vivaxZebu (B. indicus)Pastoral region of Samorogouan, Burkina FasoNANA
Dagnache et al. (25)QuantitativeExperimentalT. vivaxZebu (B. indicus)Jabitehenan district of Birsheleko area and Bahir Dar Zuria district in EthiopiaNANA
Mulugeta et al. (26)QuantitativeExperimentalT. congolenseZebu (B. indicus) from Ghibe, EthiopiaKenyaNANA
Mungube et al. (5)QuantitativeCross-sectionalT. congolenseB. indicusSikasso Region, which is bordered to the east by Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry to the west, to the south by Côte d'Ivoire and by Kouli- koro and Segou Regions to the north and north-east. The study was done in Mali.796125 (15.7%)
Tchamdja et al. (27)QuantitativeCross-sectional studyT. congolense/T. vivaxB. indicusKara and Savanes regions in Northern Togo1,883192, 10.2%
Mulandane et al. (28)QuantitativeCross-sectional studyT. congolenseB. indicusNicoadala district, Zambezia province of Mozambique467107
Mewamba et al. (29)QualitativeExperimentalTbAT1Cattle sampled in this study belonged to breeds such as Zebu Goudali, Zebu White Fulani and Zebu Red Fulani with few crossbreeds (indigenous and exotic). The sheep were Djallonke west-African dwarfs, which are known to be trypanotolerant.Yoko in the “Mbam et Nkim” Division of the center region of CameroonNANA
Koning & Jarvis (30)QualitativeExperimentalP1/P2T. b. brucei from frozen stocks were grown in CD ratsUnited KingdomNANA
Carter et al. (31)QualitativeExperimentalP2Clones of T. b. brucei S427United KingdomNANA
Carruthers et al. (20)QualitativeExperimentalT. b. congolense folate transporters I, II, and IIICultures of bloodstream forms of Savannah-type strain IL3000United KingdomNANA
Bacchi et al. (32)QualitativeExperimentalPolyamine biosynthesisT. brucei rhodesiense were obtained from A. R. Njogu of the Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI; Muguga, Kenya)SwitzerlandNANA
Two T. brucei rhodesiense isolates were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection: ATCC 30119, the EATRO 105 strain isolated from a patient in Uganda in 1959, and ATCC 30027, the Wellcome CT strain isolated from a patient in 1934
Zhang et al. (33)QualitativeExperimentalT. evansi and T. equiperdumT. evansi were originally isolated in China, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Chad and BrasilFranceNANA
The stocks of T. equiperdum originated from South Africa, China and the Pasteur Institute, Paris
Gray & Peregrine (34)QualitativeExperimentalT. congolenseClones from Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and KenyaUnited KingdomNANA
Anene et al. (35)QualitativeExperimentalT. evansi stocksCloned derivative of a camel isolate from SudanUnited KingdomNANA
Sahin et al. (36)QualitativeExperimetnalT. congolense IL1180 T. b. bruceiT. congolense and T. b. brucei from KenyaFranceNANA
Zhang et al. (37)QualitativeExperimentalT. evansi and T. equiperdumBovine, canine, horseFranceNANA
Akpa et al. (38)QualitativeExperimentalT. b. bruceiThese were obtained from Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria in caninesNigeriaNANA
Anene et al (39)QualitativeExperimentalT.b. bruceiClinically infected dog that had relapsed following treatment with 2 doses of 7.0 mg/kg diminazene aceturate administered at 2-week intervalsFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of NigeriaNANA
Osman et al. (40)QualitativeExperimentalT. evansiClones originally isolated from a camel naturally infected with Surra in the Sudan and known to be suramin resistant.United KingdomNANA
Olila et al. (21)QuantitativeCross sectional and experimentalT. brucei/T. vivaxDairy farms (B. indicus) in Mukono district, UgandaUganda49018 (3.7)
Mamoudou et al. (41)QuantitativeCross sectional and experimentalT. congolense/T. bruceicertain areas of the Adamaoua DepartmentCameroon22146 (20.8)
Kulohoma et al. (4)QualitativeExperimentalTbAT1Tsetse flies in Kwale county, KenyaKenya54620 (3.7)

Description of study publication on trypanosome pathogen, primary host, and location of study and prevalence.

Key: Quantitative studies reported prevalence while qualitative studies worked on trypanocide-resistant markers. Qualitative experimental studies directly involved laboratory animals by using trypanosome inoculum. NA, not applicable since this was an in vitro experiment.

Most experimental studies have been conducted in Europe, that is, France and the United Kingdom, while in Africa, only Nigeria and Kenya have strongly developed biomedical laboratories, which have attempted to conduct these studies (Figure 2A). Cross-sectional surveys are seldom conducted in African countries with no country reporting more than two studies over the last two decades (Figure 2B). This raises major challenges for trypanosomiasis control and eradication initiatives since the high prevalence of AAT on the African continent is mainly spread along the sub-Saharan belt, a region with continuous neglected clinical trials on AATr to date.

Figure 2

3.2. Community evidence on African animal trypanocide resistance

Here we report an AAT total random effect of 12.4% (95% CI: 7.6–18.2) using the randomized model (Table 3). The test for heterogenicity in these studies was Q (df); 95%CI, P-value at 182.21(6), I2 = 96.71%, 95% CI: 94.9797.85; P < 0.0001. To assess publication bias, Begg's test and Egger's test were used. Begg's test (correlations of proportions and meta-analysis weight) and Kendall's τ = 0.4286, P = 0.1765, while Egger's test (difference over standard error against one over standard error, that is, the regression analysis of study difference) was 3.6, 95% CI: −14.6 to 21.8, P = 0.6324, demonstrating a lack of publication bias in the studies assessed.

Table 3

StudySample sizeProportion (%)95% CIWeight (%)
FixedRandom
Afewerk et al.48417.1513.90–20.819.9114.27
Mungube et al.79615.7013.24–18.4216.2914.52
Tchamja et al.1,88310.208.87–11.6538.5014.74
Mulandane et al.46722.9119.18–27.009.5614.25
Olila et al.4903.672.19–5.7410.0314.28
Mamoudou et al.22120.8115.66–26.774.5413.59
Kulohoma et al.5463.662.25–5.6011.1814.34
Total (fixed effects)4,88711.4310.55–12.35100100
Total (random effects)4,88712.417.57–18.23100100

Meta-analysis on the prevalence of African animal trypanocide resistance.

3.3. Preclinical studies on African animal trypanocide resistance

A total of seven quantitative studies were identified; however, only five studies were included in the analysis [eliminated (21) due to the long observation period and (41) who worked on only ISM]. The development of AATr has been investigated using DA at 3.5–7 mg/kg and ISM at 0.5–1.0 mg/kg (Figure 3). An experimental study by Afewerk et al. (22) conducted in Ethiopia showed relapse after 90 days with ISM. In this study (Figure 3, section 1.2.1), the sample size was small (n = 15), thus accounting for the moderate effect size in the study (I2 = 58%). Drug sensitivity showed that ISM relapse was higher than DA, although these findings were coincidental (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: −0.79, 1.63). In addition, the double resistant phenotype was genetically transferable to clones (A, B, and C), demonstrating genetic stability in the resistant genotype.

Figure 3

Cordjia et al. (23) demonstrated a high DA relapse although the reliability of this study was poor (I2 = 0%). In this study, three strains of T. congolense were used in goats; however, the high homogeneity (τ2 = 0%) showed these arose from the same population (Figure 3, Section 1.2.2). This was true since the field isolates were all from male and female East African cattle isolated in 1989 in Ethiopia. Clausen et al. (24) in Burkina Faso reported more ISM relapse than DA although these observations were also incidental due to the low variability in the study although authors worked on both cattle and goats (see Figure 3 where T. congolense and T. vivax isolates are used).

Cordjia et al. (23) also combined DA and HB and showed that relapse was highest with HB (SMD = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.05, 2.88), and similar findings (Figure 4) were reported by Clausen et al. (24) and Mulugeta et al. (26). The overall effect of these studies was identical (τ2 = 0.00) although these were conducted in different animal species (Figure 4).

Figure 4

Homidium resistance in livestock was found to be higher than isometamidium (Table 5). Cordjia et al. (23) demonstrated that HB was a weaker drug than ISM against AATr phenotypes (see Section 1.4.1 in Figure 5) and this was in agreement with Clausen et al. (24). In addition, Mulugeta et al. (26) reproduced the same phenotypic characteristics showing that HB is a weaker (resistance higher) therapeutical option than ISM in Ethiopia using Boran (Bos indicus) calves infected with T. congolense strains. In addition, the same study showed that absorption of ISM was six times lower than the drug-sensitive phenotype, demonstrating the importance of drug-resistance mechanisms.

Figure 5

3.4. Clinical studies on African animal trypanocide resistance

A total of three surveys were identified in the study, and treatment relapse was the common approach used. Mungube et al. (5) showed that there was multiple resistance to DA and ISM in Mali (see Figure 6). Tchamdja (27) showed that DA resistance was most abundant in Togo, while Mulandane (28) reported a higher ISM relapse risk than DA in Mozambique. There was no common consensus on the shift between DA and ISM (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.81, 2.62). In these clinical studies, there was a moderate level of homogeneity (P = 0.16).

Figure 6

In these studies, DA was administered at 3.5 mg/kg while ISM was at 0.5 mg/kg in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

3.5. Resistance markers screened in African animal trypanocide resistance

Mewamba et al. (29) found that the TbAT1 gene is responsible for DA resistance, while de Koning and Jarvis (30) reported that P1/P2 was associated with DA resistance. In addition, methylglyoxal bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) mitochondrial transport (32) was associated with diminazene resistance (Table 4). Resistance has also been associated with immune suppression of leukocytes in association with elevated serum liver enzymes (38).

Table 4

StudyCountry of the last authorStudy was undertakenMarkerObservations
Mewamba et al. (29)CameroonCameroonTbAT1 followed by digestion of Sfa Nf140/45 had lost the gene
Koning and Jarvis (30)United KingdomUnited KingdomP1/P2 transportersP2-like transporters in the uptake of DA
Carter et al. (31)United KingdomUnited KingdomP2Diamidines are P2 transport substrates
Carruthers et al. (20)United KingdomUnited KingdomT. b. congolense folate transporters I, II, and IIIMitochondrial membrane potential
Bacchi et al. (32)SwitzerlandSwitzerlandInhibition of polyamine biosynthesisMGBG resembles diminazene. Even when MGBG used at 25 mg/kg for 3 days, was not curative for T. b. brucei
Zhang et al. (33)FranceFranceInvestigated diminazene, suramin, melCy, Qunapyramine, ISMMinimal effective concentration (MEC) and maximum tolerable concentration (MTC)
MEC and MTC vary with strains
Gray and Peregrine (34)KenyaUnited KingdomMECEffective concentration in vivo may not work in cattle
Anene et al. (35)United KingdomUnited KingdomMECCombinations of melarsen oxide cysteamine, diminazene aceturate or suramin with any of the candidate resistance modulators did not lead to any differences in the susceptibility pattern between sensitive and resistant T. evansi stocks studied
Sahin et al. (36)FranceFranceRelapseA standard dose of commercial ISM products contains < 0.1 mg/kg of the disubstituted compound which would be insufficient for a trypanocidal effect
Zhang et al. (37)FranceFranceMECField resistance can be reproduced in the lab and clones can remain sensitive
Akpa et al. (38)NigeriaNigeriaALT, AST, and WBCImmune suppression by low WBC. Elevated serum liver enzymes

Resistance markers screened in African animal trypanocide resistance.

3.6. Rationale for increasing the dosage to combat trypanocide resistance

To address AATr, an increase in the treatment period has been explored; that is, Mungumbe (5) explored about maintaining the recommended dosage of 0.5 mg/kg and followed up the cattle for a month; however, this approach did not eliminate the development of resistance against DA. In addition, increasing the DA dosage by 3–4 times [see Ref. (24) on goats and Ref. (22) on rats] did not improve the therapeutical outcome in these patients (Table 5).

Table 5

StudyParasiteHostDrug and dosageInterventionObservation period (days)Relapse/total
Mungube et al. (5)T. congolenseCattleISM at 0.5 mg/kgIncrease treatment period2811/43
T. congolenseCattleDA at 7 mg/kgOverdose147/20
Clausen et al. (24)T. congolenseGoatsDA at 14 mg/kg in goatsOverdose185/6
Clausen et al. (24)T. congolenseGoatsDA at 17.5 mg/kgOverdose176/6
Clausen et al. (24)T. congolenseGoatsQuinapyramine sulfate at 5.0 mg/kgOverdose138/8
Clausen et al. (24)T. congolenseGoatsISM at 1.0 mg/kg in goatsOverdose135/6
Clausen et al. (24)T. congolenseGoatsISM at 2.0 mg/kg in goatsOverdose212/6 (3 died)
Mulandane et al. (28)T. congolenseCattleDA at 3.5 mg/kg and ISM at 0.5 mg/kg in cattleTreatment swap1411/82 on DA and 9/102 on ISM
Afewerk et al. (22)T. congolenseRatsISM at 1.0 mg/kgOverdose and increase treatment period907/30
Afewerk et al. (22)T. congolenseRatsDA at 28 mg/kg Pawe 73Overdose165/5
Afewerk et al. (22)T. congolenseRatsISM at 4.0 mg/kgOverdose175/5
Afewerk et al. (22)T. congolenseRatsDA at 56 mg/kgOverdoseNR1/13
Afewerk et al. (22)T. congolenseRatsISM at 16.0 mg/kgOverdoseNR1/15
ANENE et al. (39)T.b. bruceiDogsPentamidine at 4 mg/kgSwitch to pentamidine100/6
Osman et al. (40)T. evansiMiceInduced resistance at 0.5 mg/kg MelCyIrradiation1Immune compromised induces resistance

Interventions to address trypanocide resistance in preclinical studies with dosages administered using different experimental models.

KEY: NR = Not reported.

Several surveys explored the effect of increasing the dosage on treatment outcomes (Table 5). Treatment swaps (DA/ISM for ISM/DA) have also been attempted by Mulandane et al. (28) for an extended 2 weeks and these did not eliminate resistance against DA and ISM. In Nigeria, Anene et al. (39) assessed the quality of DA and found 2 out of 4 samples to contain < 95 and 90% of the stated constituency (Table 5), and cross-reactive resistance with pentamidines was reported in dogs. Furthermore, the continuous passage of T. evansi clones produced a resistant phenotype to melCyl (40), and this provided evidence that immunosuppressed hosts provide a conducive atmosphere for the development of drug resistance (Table 5).

4. Discussion

This study provides evidence on the low global interest in AATr clinical and preclinical trials following sporadic development of drug resistance in most livestock species, and this was in agreement with previous findings (42). In the African continent, there is a scarcity of information on AATr with only a couple of studies arising from West and East Africa, despite their interconnected livelihoods (especially livestock trade and free movement of animals), which act as conduits for infection and reinfection in neighboring countries. Laboratory studies have mainly been supported by the United Kingdom and France (98%) demonstrating their strategic importance for the strengthening of global health collaborations for the attainment of the WHO 2030 target since most of these surveys were conducted before the development of the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). Developing countries, especially in Africa, continue to lag in biomedical research and routine monitoring of disease [little effort is taken on HAT (43) demonstrating a lack of commitment to AAT], demonstrating critical infrastructure challenges, justifying the need for collaborative research on the African continent (12). In particular, only one biomedical (preclinical) study was fully conducted in an African country (Nigeria) (38), demonstrating critical infrastructure weaknesses in the continent.

AATr has mainly been investigated using DA and ISM with a few studies working on HB. Here, we showed that trypanocide resistance profiles were in the order of HB > DA > ISM; however, the chronic lack of sufficient studies from the African continent implies that it is difficult to apply findings from this study across the entire African continent. Preclinical studies (2224), which employed dosages at clinically acceptable dosages, demonstrated cross-reactive resistance to DA-ISM-HB although reasons for the development of these resistant phenotypes were not fully explored. This trend raises major threats to developing countries that have not received any capacity to develop alternative therapeutical options for the management of AATr. Furthermore, findings by Afewerk et al. (22) and Clausen et al. (24) showed that ISM relapse was a realistic threat, while Cordjia et al. (23) presented the only study that coincidentally reported DA relapse being higher than ISM. For curative purposes, DA is often preferred compared with ISM, which has both curative and prophylactic purposes and affordability, thus making it an easier drug to access and abuse. It is apparent that ISM is most preferred for the management of AATr, demonstrating its high contribution to drug resistance in this study.

Cross-resistance was also reported in these studies between DA and HB (23, 24, 26). Relapses due to HB were found to occur more often than those due to DA despite the fact these studies were conducted in varying animal species. Evidence from our study shows that the resistant phenotype may not be lost through passages in different animal species. Cross-species infections naturally occur in the wild [see Ref. (9) on wildlife species and Ref. (10) on small ruminants at the wildlife–human interface], so it can be implied that other livestock species do act as maintenance species responsible for the re-emergence of HAT. For example, most African countries have trypanosome control programs aimed at cattle while ignoring small ruminants, dogs, and other animals, which live in the same environment. These findings justify a revision in the current disease control strategies in several developing countries to eliminate and minimize maintenance hosts for reinfection.

The major AATr-responsible genes that have been investigated include TbAT1, P1/P2 transporters, and folate transporters I, II, and III (20, 2931), as well as host liver enzymes (38) and inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis (32). Findings in this study are important since P2/TbAT1 resistant genes continue to be essential for DA, ISM, and HB, which was in agreement with our previous study (17). Mutations in the aminopurine transporter AT1 have been associated with reduced trypanocide absorption, while loss of P2 favors the expression of more resistant phenotypes (6). Increased circulation of resistant genes in a community exerts selection pressure, which leads to the development of AATr (Figure 7).

Figure 7

The use of high-dosage regimens in several experimental studies [see Ref. (24) on goats and Ref. (22) on rats] failed to improve the clinical outcomes in cases of DA and ISM resistance. This provides a basis to discourage clinicians from doubling and increasing dosages once resistance has been reported against a trypanocide. Furthermore, interchanging medications and increasing the treatment period failed to provide any relief (5), providing a rationale for the promotion of evidence-based therapy while addressing drug resistance. AATr is also propagated by counterfeit trypanocides in circulation (39) and an immune-suppressed status of the host (40) demonstrating the importance of strong drug regulatory policies against fake medicines and farmer education to improve pharmacovigilance in affected communities.

5. Conclusion

African animal trypanocide resistance is a valid threat to the attainment of the WHO 2030 target. This situation has been created due to the limited number of therapeutical options available and limited epidemiological and biomedical studies to monitor drug efficacy in endemic communities. The development of AATr has heavily been associated with homidium bromide and isometamidium chloride, since they are routinely used for prophylaxis purposes; however, drug resistance of all available major trypanocides is cross-reactive. Interventions involving an increase in the dosage and treatment duration have not been able to improve the prognosis of affected animals. Further research to create localized genetic databases and libraries could pave the way toward further knowledge and research in developing countries for the effective monitoring of the AATr challenge and help to advise policy in resource-limited countries.

Statements

Data availability statement

The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found in the article/Supplementary material.

Author contributions

KK and SW conceptualized the study. KK, SW, and EM conducted the study design. KK collected the data and conducted data analysis. All authors reviewed, approved the publication of the manuscript, and remain in agreement on all aspects of the work.

Funding

This research was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research programme (16/136/33) using UK aid from the UK Government. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. This work was also supported by the Zhejiang University Education Foundation Emergency Research Fund, the Global Challenges Research Fund, and the University of Edinburgh (SW and KK) and the commonwealth scholarship commission (Grant ID Number: UGCS-2021-447) in the UK (KK).

Acknowledgments

Authors are so grateful for the technical support offered by Ms. Marshall Dozier from the University Library at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.950248/full#supplementary-material

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Summary

Keywords

African animal trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, trypanocide resistance, drug resistance, T. evansi, T. congolense, T. vivax, bovine trypanosomiasis

Citation

Kasozi KI, MacLeod ET and Welburn SC (2023) African animal trypanocide resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Vet. Sci. 9:950248. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.950248

Received

22 May 2022

Accepted

28 November 2022

Published

04 January 2023

Volume

9 - 2022

Edited by

María-Aránzazu Martínez, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Reviewed by

Ayhan Filazi, Ankara University, Turkey; Simon Peter Musinguzi, Kyambogo University, Uganda; Dusit Laohasinnarong, Mahidol University, Thailand

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Keneth Iceland Kasozi ✉ ; ✉ Susan Christina Welburn ✉

This article was submitted to Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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