Induced Tritrichomonas foetus infection in beef heifers
Skirrow, S.Z.; BonDurant, R.H.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 196(6): 885-889
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 2312387 Document Number: 356222
Four virgin beef heifers were inoculated intravaginally with 7 .times. 106 Tritrichomonas foetus organisms. Protozoal colonization of the vagina, cervix and uterus developed within the first week after inoculation. Protozoa were no longer detected in secretions from these regions at approximately the same time in each heifer. Trichomonads were detected in reproductive tract secretions for 13 to 28 weeks. Eight weeks after clearance of trichomonads from the reproductive tract, a second infection was established in 2 of the 4 heifers by intravaginal inoculation of T foetus. The second infections were maintained for up to 4 weeks. The diagnostic sensitivity of wet-mount examination of the reproductive tract secretions was 30%, compared with 78% for culture of trichomonads in secretions. Collection and culturing of specimens of cervical and vaginal mucus provided the most reliable method for diagnosis of trichomoniasis during induced infection of heifers.