Prevalence and pathology of trichomoniasis in domestic pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas gallinae and the pathologies associated with it in domestic pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. A total of 310 domestic pigeons comprising 171 (55.2%) males and 139 (44.8%) females were sampled. Of this number, 133 (42.9%) were sampled during the dry season and 177 (57.1%) were sampled during the wet season. Prevalence of infection, deviations in body weight, haematology, serum proteins as well as gross and histopathological changes were investigated. The prevalence was 67.7% (210 pigeons). Based on sex and season distribution, the prevalence of trichomoniasis was significantly higher in males (P < 0.05) (37.7%) than in females (30.0%) and not significantly higher during the wet season (35.5%) than in the dry season (32.3%) (P > 0.05). The mean (± SD) body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in pigeons infected with Trichomonas gallinae (223.3 ± 47.96 g) than in non-infected pigeons (244.0 ± 46.21 g). The total protein and globulin levels of Trichomonas gallinae-infected pigeons were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the non-infected group. The total leukocyte counts, heterophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Trichomonas gallinae infected group than non-infected pigeons. Grossly, the lesions observed included raised caseous materials in the crop, pale areas on the proventricular mucosa and congested liver. Microscopically, marked infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the mucosa of the crop and proventriculus, with multifocal degeneration and necrosis of the proventricular glands. In conclusion, Trichomoniasis is common in domestic pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria and the parasite is capable of causing marked pathology in tissues.