Histopathology of Esophagus and crop of Pigeon (Columbia livia) infected by Trichomonas gallinae

Abstract

Background: Trichomonas gallinae is a protozoa that causes trichomoniasis which is common found in pigeons and it attacks the digestive tract of pigeons. Proper examination can be done to differentiatefrom healthy pigeons. Purpose: to observe the changes in histopathological images of the esophagus and the crop of pigeons (Columba livia) that infected with Trichomonas gallinae. Method: Observations were carried out on 20 pigeons with symptoms of presenceTrichomonas gallinae. Swab examination in the esophagus with the Natif Test and Giemsa Staining. Esophagus and cropwas collected through necropsy in the upper digestive tract. Then histopathological examination was performed with Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining. Data was analyzed descriptively. Result: Histopathological features of pigeons (Columba livia) infected with Trichomonas gallinae were different from healthy pigeons. Pigeons infected with protozoa Trichomonas gallinae showed changes of the esophagus in the form of erosion and cell necrosis in stratified non-keranitized epithelium (mucosa) and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa layer and sub esophageal mucosa. In addition, changes in the crop were cell necrosis in the mucosa layer, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the submucosal layer, and congestion in the sub mucosal cavity. Conclusion: There werehistopathological changes in the esophagus and crop of pigeonsthat infected with Trichomonas gallinae.