|
||||
Home
» Archive
» 2023
TDK conference 2023Gilbert, Júlia Franciska - year 6 University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Department of Parasitology and Zoology Supervisor: Dr. Tuska-Szalay Barbara Trichomonas species are flagellated protozoan parasites living on the mucosal surfaces of the reproductive system, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal tract. Feline trichomonosis is affiliated with chronic diarrhea and is caused by Tritrichomonas foetus, which has been reported in both male and female cats of pure or mixed breed origin. To compensate for the lack of relevant data, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas species in cats throughout Hungary. To investigate the prevalence of these parasites in the feline population oral swabs, rectal swabs, and fresh fecal samples were collected by veterinarians from 117 random domestic cats originating from 16 different locations throughout Hungary. Furthermore, five wildcats were also examined. Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting the 18S RNA gene and ITS gene were conducted. Based on the 179 samples taken, wildcats did not harbor Trichomonas spp., however, 13 (11,1%) domestic cats were positive for T. foetus and two (1,7%) for Pentatrichomonas hominis. In addition, one sample proved to be a genetically different Trichomonas sp. which may represent a new species. Out of the 16 infected animals, eight (50%) showed clinical symptoms, such as diarrhea, however, coinfection with the detected protozoa was not found in any of the feline samples. There seems to be no variability in positive PCR results attributing to the fecal collection method. Other enteric parasites, for instance, Giardia duodenalis and Cystoisospora rivolta were present in three (2,6%) cats. The present study is the first to verify that T. foetus, and P. hominis with zoonotic potential are present in cats in Hungary, however, are presumably not widespread throughout the country. List of lectures |