Detection of Tritrichomonas Foetus in Cattle Using a PCR Amplification System

Abstract

A trichomoniasis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was successfully established at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL). Four preputial and 27 vaginal washings of bulls and cows obtained from communal cattle in Zimbabwe's Buhera and Wedza districts were tested using a PCR amplification assay as well as the traditional method of microscopy. Out of the 31 cattle tested, two bulls and three cows were positive on trichomoniasis PCR assay. The trichomoniasis microscopy method detected only one cow which was also positive with the PCR assay. The use of the PCR assay for routine diagnosis will greatly improve the CVL's capacity to accurately diagnose bovine trichomoniasis. The PCR tests on clinical samples have for the first time confirmed tritrichomoniasis infection in communal cattle using a highly sensitive and specific molecular based diagnostic test.


Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal (2002) 33; 1-5