Inventory of potential vectors of trypanosoma and infection rate of the Tsetse fly in the National Park of Ivindo, Gabon

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma's vectors distribution is poorly investigated in Gabon, where Trypanosomiasis historical foci exist. Thus, an active detection of Trypanosoma sp transmission needs to be assessed. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to identify potential vectors of Trypanosoma sp and to evaluate the infection rate of the Tsetse fly in an area of Gabon. METHODS: An entomological survey was conducted in the National Park of Ivindo in May 2012 using Vavoua traps. All captured insects were identified. Tsetse were dissected and organs were microscopically observed to detect the presence of Trypanosoma sp. RESULTS: 247 biting flies known as vectors of Trypanosomiasis were caught including 189 tsetse flies, 32 Tabanid and 26 Stomoxys. Tsetse flies had the highest bulk densities per trap per day (ADT = 3 tsetse / trap / day), while the lowest density was found among Stomoxys (ADT= 0.41 Stomoxys / trap / day). The infection rate of flies was 6.3%. Infectious organs were midguts and to a lesser extent salivary glands and proboscis. CONCLUSION: The presence of Tsetse infected by Trypanosoma highlights an existing risk of trypanosomiasis infection in the National Park of Ivindo.