Species identification of trichomonads and associated coinfections in dogs with diarrhea and suspected trichomonosis

Abstract

Trichomonads have been infrequently reported in the feces of dogs where their pathogenicity remains uncertain. It is currently unknown whether Tritrichomonas foetus or Pentatrichomonas hominis is identified more commonly in dogs with trichomonosis or how often these infections are accompanied by concurrent enteric infectious agents. The objective of this study was to determine the identity of trichomonads present in a series of 38 unsolicited canine diarrheic fecal samples submitted for T. foetus diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing between 2007 and 2010. We also examined each fecal sample for an association of trichomonosis with concurrent infection using a convenient real-time PCR panel for nine gastrointestinal pathogens. P. hominis, T. foetus, or both were identified by PCR in feces of 17, 1, and 1 dogs respectively. Feces from the remaining 19 dogs were PCR negative for T. foetus, P. hominis and using broader-spectrum Trichomonadida primers. The total number and specific identities of concurrent enteropathogens identified did not differ between fecal samples from dogs that were or were not identified by PCR as infected with trichomonads. These results suggest that P. hominis infection is more frequently identified than T. foetus infection in diarrheic dogs with trichomonosis and that concurrent enteropathogen infection is common in this population.

A Review of Some Protozoan Parasites Causing Infertility in Farm Animals

“…The causative agent, Tritrichomonas foetus, is a flagellated protozoan parasite transmitted from infected, asymptomatic bulls to heifers or cows at the time of coitus [52]. The infection has been reported in dogs [53] and in cats as a cause of large-bowel diarrhea [54,55]. Furthermore, Tritrichomonas suis has been reported to be a gastrointestinal commensal of pig [53].…”

“…The infection has been reported in dogs [53] and in cats as a cause of large-bowel diarrhea [54,55]. Furthermore, Tritrichomonas suis has been reported to be a gastrointestinal commensal of pig [53].…”

Detection of Pentatrichomonas hominis in dogs using real-time PCR

“…Pentatrichomonas hominis, which is found in dogs, cats, pigs and cattle, belongs to this family. The Trichomonadidae family inhabits the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts and is considered to be an opportunistic commensal which can cause diarrhoea when it inhabits the intestine (Cobo et al 2003, Gookin et al 2007, Yun-Ah et al 2010, Tolbert et al 2012). The prevalence of P. hominis in dogs is not fully known, because it is rarely detected in faecal samples.…”

“…The prevalence of P. hominis in dogs is not fully known, because it is rarely detected in faecal samples. Trichomonads, including pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, are described in veterinary medicine (Tolbert et al 2012). In 2003, Trichomonas foetus was determined as a direct cause…”

“…: +48 89 523 35 77 of diarrhoea in cats (Levy et al 2003). It was stated that P. hominis in dogs with diarrhoea occurred more often than T. foetus and could cause diarrhoea of unknown aethiology (Gookin et al 2007, Kim et al 2010, Tolbert et al 2012. P. hominis was found in children, too, and it was proven that this pathogen was widespread in the environment (Meloni et al 2011).…”