Tritrichomonas foetus (1) Flashcards
How do you identify?
Pear-shaped
10-25 x 3-15 micro m
Single nucleus
3 anterior flagella
- Arising from basal body situated at anterior rounded end
1 posterior flagellum
Axostyle, undulating membrane
Explain the life cycle in cattle
Genital tracts of cattle
- Uterus, cervix, and sometimes vagina of cow - Prepuce of bulls
Transmitted by coitus
After abortion, can be found in amniotic and allantoic fluids and stomach contents of foetus
Inhabits prepuce
- Transmission to cows via coitus
From vagina trichomonads reach uterus via cervix
Trichomonads flushed from uterus to vagina (2-3 days before estrus)
- Bull infected by servicing cows
No cystic stage
What are the sites of infection in cows?
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina
What is the site of infection in Bulls?
Prepuce
Describe the Pathogenesis in Bulls
Preputial discharge associated with small nodules on the preputial/penile membranes may develop shortly after infections, no other clinical signs
Describe the Pathogenesis in cows
Low grade endometritis (sometimes purulent endometritis occurs) -
effects implantation in uterus
Abortion before 4th month of pregnancy common
- Often undetected because fetus is small
Result in decreased herd yield
- Repeated returns to service - Irregular estrus cycles
Self-cure - develop immunity (not long lasting)
Describe the general trichomonosis in cattle
A venereal disease
Causes infertility, open cows, and occasional abortions in cows and heifers
Can be economically devastating and costly to eradicate from a herd
Describe the trichomonosis in Bulls
Organisms survive in microscopic folds of skin that line the bull’s penis and internal sheath
Asymptomatic lifetime carrier: semen quality and sexual behavior
appear normal
As bull ages, the skin grows, folds increase in the penis and sheath, creating additional places for the organism to thrive
Older Bulls (over 3 years) more likely to become chronically infected than younger Bulls (6.7% vs. 2.0% prevalence in CA)
Describe the trichomonosis in cows
The organism lives in the vagina, cervix, and uterus
- Short lived until her immune system eventually destroys it
A cow or heifer can become repeatedly infected
Cow does not appear ill
Cow may show a subtle, mild, vaginal discharge in 1-3 weeks (pyometra)
An inflammatory response leading to abortions
Repeated breedings
Wide ranges of gestational ages at pregnancy checks
What are the clinical signs in cattle?
In bull - none
In cows
- Early abortions - Repeated returns to service - Decreased herd yield (8-29%)
How do you diagnose?
Identification of organisms in samples from preputial scrapings/washings from bull
- Scraping with long pipette replaced washing method
Vaginal/cervical secretions from cow can be tested
PCR
- Gel PCR - Quantitative PCR - Differentiate contaminate trichomonads - Detect dead cells
Culture
- In-Pouch TF Test - convenient
- Easy
- Suited for trichomonad growth
- Direct microscopic examination
- Slow (days)
- Detect live cells only
- Diamonds Media - some labs prefer
Diagnosis is on herd basis
Explain diagnosis on herd basis
The Bulls go back to work at the end of a long breeding season
A lot of open cows at the end of a short breeding season
A 10-40% reduction in pregnant cows at pregnancy check time
A spread out calving season
Describe herd based diagnosis in Bulls
Best to test after2 weeks of sexual rest
Usually culture for up to 7 days
If even one bull is positive, you have to assume that the herd has been exposed
Three consecutive tests recommended for Bulls, once a week for 3 consecutive weeks
- 1st: ~80-90% sensitivity - 2nd: ~ 96-99% sensitivity - 3rd: >99% sensitivity
Describe herd based diagnosis in cows
Usually clear infection rapidly - often in one season
Test soon after embryo death
Months delay for suggestive history in a herd
How do you prevent in cattle?
Prevention is key
REPORTABLE disease
Control - an integrated approach
- All Bulls tested - positive Bulls culled
- Young bulls (4 years old
- Infected for life - Cull
AI from uninfected donor only satisfactory control
- Transmission can occur by insemination instruments/by
gynecological examination
Appropriate hygiene techniques
Explain the life cycle in cats
Colonize distal ileum/colon
Trophozoites reproduce by binary fission (mucus or large intestine)
Cannot survive long
- Up to 3 days in moist feces in environment after being discharged
Transmission via fecal-oral route via shared litter boxes
What is the site of infection in cats?
Large intestine
What are the clinical signs in cats?
Chronic waxing/waning, malodorous large bowel diarrhea
- Often with blood - Mucus - Some staining
Appear to have a normal appetite
Pure breeds/young animals
Describe feline trichomonosis
All breeds susceptible
~ 1/3 purebred feline population may be infected
T. foetus lives for at least a day in wet stools
The primary infection is probably by the fecal-oral route
Infected cats may be asymptomatic
Symptomatic cats show diarrhea - cow pie like that are often gassy
and malodorous
What are the risk factors in cats?
Age - one year old or younger
Breed - purebred
History of diarrhea
Co infection with other enteric Protozoa
How do you diagnose in cats?
Identification in fecal samples by direct smear or culture
Direct smear - low sensitivity
Fecal culturing - BioMed’s Feline InPouch TF (
How do you treat in cats?
Ronidazole - 30 mg/kg oral for 14 days
What are the hosts?
Cattle
Cats
