Experimental infection with Tritrichomonas suis in heifers

Vet Parasitol. 2001 Jul 31;99(1):73-8. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00444-7.

Abstract

Nine heifers were intravaginally challenged with 9.3x10(6) Tritrichomonas suis reference strains. Vaginal mucus and serum samples were collected weekly 4 weeks post-inoculation. Vaginal mucus was cultured for T. suis and sera was tested by ELISA against whole cell antigens for T. suis and Tritrichomonas foetus. All vaginal mucus cultures were T. suis-negative during the experiment. ELISA values for both antigens were similar and differences were not significant (P>0.05). Positive control serum samples from one heifer vaccinated against T. foetus showed anti-T. suis ELISA values. We concluded that T. suis intravaginal inoculation induced a low level of serum immune response in heifers measured by ELISA and both protozoa probably share a common antigen. However, under the experimental conditions of this trial, colonization of the heifers' genital tract was not possible in any of the nine animals.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Protozoan / analysis
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
  • Female
  • Protozoan Infections, Animal*
  • Tritrichomonas*
  • Vagina / parasitology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan