Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[File:Trichomonas.JPG|thumb|200px|right|''Trichomonas'' sp. with Giemsa staining. Note the posterior flagellae and undulating membrane. (Source - Wikimedia Commons)]]

[[File:Trichomonas.JPG|thumb|200px|right|''Trichomonas'' sp. with Giemsa staining. Note the "projecting" terminal segment of the axostyle and undulating membrane. An important diagnostic feature is the lack of a free posterior flagellum (Source - Wikimedia Commons)]]

''Trichomonas gallinae'' is the [[Protozoa | '''protozoal''']] pathogen responsible for [[Trichomonosis - Birds | '''Avian Trichomonosis''']].  

''Trichomonas gallinae'' is the [[Protozoa | '''protozoal''']] pathogen responsible for [[Trichomonosis - Birds | '''Avian Trichomonosis''']].  

The parasite is identifiable microscopically by its four '''anterior flagellae''' and well developed '''undulating membrane''' on one side. ''T. gallinae'' has no posterior flagellum. Its body is divided by an ''axostyle''.

The parasite is identifiable microscopically by its four '''anterior flagellae''' and well developed '''undulating membrane''' on one side. ''T. gallinae'' has no posterior flagellum. Its body is divided by an ''axostyle''.

The '''ellipsoid nucleus''' of the parasite is usually found in the posterior aspect of the organism.

The '''ellipsoidal or ovoid nucleus''' of the parasite is usually found in the posterior aspect of the organism.

''T. gallinae'' requires sugars, starch and glycogen from host cells to survive and replicate.

''T. gallinae'' requires sugars, starch and glycogen from host cells to survive and replicate.

==Transmission==

==Transmission==

''Trichomonas gallinae'' is present '''worldwide''' in wild birds particularly the '''pigeon''' and other Columbids.  

''Trichomonas gallinae'' is present '''worldwide''' in wild birds particularly the '''pigeon''' and other Columbids. This trichomonad is also common in turkeys as well as in chickens and pet birds.

Transmission between pigeons occurs orally during feeding and mating behaviour.  

Transmission between pigeons occurs orally during feeding and mating behaviour. Survival in tap water for short periods ensures that the drinking water can be a source of infection for domestic fowl.

Transmission to domestic chickens and turkeys is achieved through contaminated '''water troughs''' that have been visited by wild birds.

Transmission to domestic chickens and turkeys is achieved through contaminated '''water troughs''' that have been visited by wild birds.

==Disease==

==Disease==

''T. gallinae'' causes '''yellow, necrotic lesions''' and plaques in the gastrointestinal tract of birds, particularly in the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology | crop]] and [[Oesophagus | oesophagus]].

''T. gallinae'' causes "cankers", '''yellow, necrotic lesions''' and plaques in the gastrointestinal tract of birds, particularly in the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology | crop]] and [[Oesophagus | oesophagus]]. The upper digestive tract may be completely occluded, with large quantities of fluid accumulating in the crop. Among the rarer sites of infection are the spleen, kidney, upper respiratory tract and bone marrow.

'''[[Anaemia]]''' is caused when the parasite binds to [[Erythrocytes | erythrocytes]] and ingests them. It is then phagocytosed by leucocytes. For more information see [[Trichomonosis - Birds|avian trichomoniasis]].

For more information see [[Trichomonosis - Birds|avian trichomoniasis]].

{{Learning

{{Learning

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|date = 2 June 2011

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[[Category:Miscellaneous Protozoa]]

[[Category:Miscellaneous Protozoa]]

[[Category:CABI Expert Review]]

[[Category:CABI Expert Review]]