Canine Trichomonas tenax mandibular gland infestation

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral species of trichomonads are intestinal or urogenital parasites of humans and animals, with only a few species typically being located in the oral cavity. The prevalence of oral trichomoniasis in dogs is approximately 15–25 %, although the prevalence varies among different populations and depends on age, sex and the health of the oral cavity.Case presentationA case of mandibular gland infestation by trichomonads in a 13-year-old female Dachshund with advanced periodontal disease and oral trichomoniasis is reported. The dog was referred due to a history of a painless swelling over the left submandibular region that increased in size over time. Based on physical and ultrasound examinations, a final diagnosis of mandibular gland cyst was established and transcutaneous needle aspiration was carried out. Numerous mobile trophozoites of trichomonads were found by microscopy and culturing for trichomonas was performed. The species was finally characterized as Trichomonas tenax by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.ConclusionsStudies have shown that T. tenax can be found in humans in atypical locations such as the salivary glands and upper and lower respiratory tracts. According to our knowledge this is the first report of T. tenax being present in the salivary glands of a dog. Because of the relatively high prevalence of trichomoniasis in dogs with periodontal diseases, these parasites should be considered together with bacterial and viral agents in salivary gland infections, especially in individuals with compromised oral health.

Molecular identification of Trichomonas tenax in the oral environment of domesticated animals in Poland – potential effects of host diversity for human health

“…Trichomonads have been detected in some primates and dogs [22][23][24]; however, it remains unclear whether T. tenax is specific only to humans. T. tenax was diagnosed by the authors of the current study and by others in the mouths of dogs and cats by PCR-RFLP analysis [25][26][27]. As reported earlier, the oral cavity of such domestic animals can be inhabited by 2 trichomonads: Tetratrichomonas canistomae and Tetratrichomonas felistomae [22,23].…”

“…As identification of trichomonad species by conventional methods encounters difficulties, this indicates that some cases described as trichomonosis caused by Trichomonas tenax or Tetratrichomonas canistomae should be verified. Using molecular techniques T. tenax was diagnosed in the oral cavity of dogs, cats and in the mandibular gland of a dog [25][26][27].…”

A Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay Specific to Trichomonas tenax Is Suitable for Use at Point-of-Care

“…Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan that inhabits the human and canine oral cavity in patients with poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The protozoan belongs to the same genus as T. vaginalis , a human pathogen of great medical importance worldwide [ 5 ].…”

Systematics, biology and invasiology of trichomonads (Trichomonadida) - the current state of knowledge

“…Tego typu inwazje mogą mieć zarówno charakter zoonoz, jak i antropozoonoz (70). Dowodzi tego przypadek wyizolowania T. canistomae od 72-letniego mężczyzny leczonego sterydami z powodu reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów (36), a także zapalenie ślinianki wywołanej przez T. tenax u 13-letniej suki rasy jamnik, z zaawansowanym stadium periodontitis (88).…”

“…Chorobotwórczość poszczególnych gatunków rzęsistków, a nawet ich szczepów jest różna i zależy od wielu czynników (50,53). Gatunki, których typowym miejscem lokalizacji jest jelito grube, w większości wydają się niepatogenne lub mało patogenne, podczas gdy lokalizacja pozajelitowa rzęsistków często prowadzi do rozwoju choroby u żywiciela (88,90).…”