Prevalence And Case Analysis Of Canine And Feline Trichomonosis Presented To An Animal Hospital In Xi'an

Pentatrichomonas hominis and Tritrichomonas foetus are distributed worldwide,and they are two pathogen of canine and feline trichomonosis,which are characterized clinically by diarrhea,trichomonosis threats the health of dogs and cats,thus it is one of the common parasitic diseases in veterinary practice.Therefore,the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of trichomonads in dogs and cats in the city Xi'an,and provided data basis and reference for diagnosis,treatment and prevention of canine and feline trichomonosis.In the present study,fecal samples and medical records from dogs and cats presented to an animal hospital in Xi'an,Shaanxi province,between 2018 and 2019,were collected and analysed.Then fecal samples were detected by Nested PCR targeting the ITS1-5.8S r RNA-ITS2 sequences of P.hominis and T.foetus.Diagnosis and treatment of clinical typical cases were analysed.The results were as follows:1.A total of 95 fecal samples from dogs were detected by Nested PCR for trichomonads infection.The prevalence of trichomonads were 63.2%(60/95).The prevalence of P.hominis was 16.8%(16/95);the prevalence of T.foetus was 54.7%(52/95);and the mixed infection rate of P.hominis and T.foetus was 8.4%(8/95).Statistical analysis showed that there was a very significant difference among seasons when comparing P.hominis infection rates in dogs(P<0.01),as the highest in spring(71.4%),the lowest in winter(7.1%).However,the results revealed no significant difference when comparing the frequency of infection between young dogs(? 12 months)and adult dogs(> 12 months)(P>0.05).The P.hominis infection rates in diarrheic dogs and non-diarrheic dogs did not differ significantly(P>0.05).Risk factors associated to P.hominis,such as gender and breeds,showed no significant difference(P>0.05).Dogs infected with T.foetus did not correlate with any risk factors evaluated in this study.2.A total of 57 fecal samples from cats were detected by Nested PCR for trichomonads infection.The prevalence of trichomonads were 49.1%(28/57).The prevalence of P.hominis was 5.3%(3/57);the prevalence of T.foetus was 47.4%(27/57);the mixed infection rate of P.hominis and T.foetus was 3.5%(2/57).Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference among seasons when comparing T.foetus infection rates in cats(P<0.05),as the highest in spring(100%),the relatively lower in autumn and winter,33.3% and 31.6%,respectively.T.foetus infection rates in diarrheic cats and non-diarrheic cats showed no significant difference(P>0.05).Besides,the results found no age,gender or breeds predilections among cats infected with T.foetus(P>0.05).3.Clinical typical cases were analysed by diagnosis and treatment of medical records.The results showed single canine or feline trichomonosis was diagnosed,and coinfection with other pathogens are observed in dogs and cats with trichomonosis.Therapeutic principle of trichomonosis was deworming,treated complication and secondary infection simultaneously.Therapy was used to control diarrhea and regulate gastrointestinal function.The course of coinfection was prolonged,with continuation of medication,the animals had a good prognosis.Regular follow-up was recommended to ensure clearance of infection.In conclusion,P.hominis and T.foetus were detected in the feces of dogs and cats presented to an animal hospital in Xi'an.Dogs infected with P.hominis and cat infected with T.foetus were markedly correlated with seasonal factors.Thus this study clarified the epidemiology,clinical diagnosis and treatment of canine and feline trichomonosis in the Xi'an city,which provided data basis and reference for application in veterinary clinic and research.