author(s)
Anna F Ngumbi and Ladslaus L Mnyone

abstract
Like in any other disease-causing agents, intra-species variation in trypanosomes influence how individual subspecies interact with their hosts, vectors and external environment. We conducted genomic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of two stocks of trypanosomes originating from different parts of Tanzania: Trypanosoma congolense Mikese, a putatively drug-sensitive strain and T. congolense SIO-201 Mbagala, a putatively drug-resistant strain. These strains were isolated and maintained in the laboratory for several years; and have been distinguished from other members of the group and regarded as different strains based on morphometric measurements only. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers confirmed that indeed the two strains belong to T. congolense. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed further that the two strains are genetically distinct and are related to genotypes described elsewhere in the region. The T. congolense drug-resistant strain was identified as T. congolense savannah whereas the sensitive strain was identified as T. congolense Kilifi. These findings warrant further studies to establish prevalence, distribution and drug sensitivity status of these two genotypes across Tanzania to inform the development of effective control and surveillance strategies.