Tritrichomonas fetus is a protozoan parasite that has been reported in cats since 1956. Infection with this parasite causes chronic diarrhoea accompanied by large bowel inflammation and faecal incontinence. The faeces may be haemorrhagic and/or mucoid and may be accompanied by flatulence and tenesmus. Little is known as to how infection occurs. It is not known if the bacteria and other flora of the intestinal tract contribute to the ability of T. fetus to establish and maintain infection in the intestine. It is possible that there are breed susceptibilities to infection. There appears to be no differences in infection between sexes. Concurrent infection such as immunosuppression with retroviral (FIV, FeLV) infections may predispose to infection. Most infections resolve spontaneously, but this can take years and relapses can occur. Treatment of symptomatic cats is usually recommended due to the long carrier status and potential to infect other cats during this period. Treatment includes specific anti-parasitical drugs combined with dietary and environmental management.
Infection with T. fetus should be considered a differential in cats with chronic diarrhoea, where other testing for bacteria, nematodes, giardia and cryptosporidium are negative. Diagnosis in the past was based upon the observation of the live organism in a direct smear or cultured sample. The PCR test to detect T. fetus in cat faecal samples has the advantage of not requiring viable organisms, so transport temperatures are not critical. The PCR is very specific and has a higher sensitivity than microscopy or culture. PCR can detect viable and non-viable organisms, so a positive PCR in a cat without diarrhoea may not indicate the need for therapy.
As antibiotics can temporarily reduce faecal shedding, they should be withheld for around seven days prior to testing.
Species:
Feline
Specimen:
Litter-free faeces (minimum 1 g)
Container:
Sterile pot, faeces collection pot
Collection protocol:
Passed faeces or collected per rectum. DNA will degrade in faeces, as such samples must be tested within 72 hours.