Trichomonas gallinae

Trichomonas gallinae
Kingdom	Protista
Phylum	Protozoa
Order	Trichomonadida
Family	Trichomonadidae
Genus	Trichomonas
Species	Trichomonas gallinae

Introduction

Trichomonas sp. with Giemsa staining. Note the posterior flagellae and undulating membrane. (Source - Wikimedia Commons)

Trichomonas gallinae is the protozoal pathogen responsible for 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 ellipsoid 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.

Transmission

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

Transmission between pigeons occurs orally during feeding and mating behaviour.

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

Disease

T. gallinae causes yellow, necrotic lesions and plaques in the gastrointestinal tract of birds, particularly in the crop and oesophagus. Anaemia is caused when the parasite binds to erythrocytes and ingests them. It is then phagocytosed by leucocytes. For more information see avian trichomoniasis.

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References

Animal Health & Production Compendium, Trichomonas gallinae datasheet, accessed 02/06/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/