Trichomonads in the oral cavity of dogs and cats: species composition and relationship with animal age and oral hygiene status

Abstract The oral cavity provides a suitable environment for various microorganisms, including protozoa such as trichomonads, which may be associated with periodontal disease development. Humans are considered the typical hosts of Trichomonas tenax but it has also been found in dogs, cats, and other animals, which makes it a factor with a significant zoonotic potential. Apart from T. tenax , domestic carnivores may be infected with such species as T. canistomae , T. felistomae and T. brixi. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, species composition, and risk factors of trichomonad colonization of the oral cavity in dogs and cats from Poland. Oral swabs from 238 household animals (151 dogs and 87 cats) were examined using cultivation methods. Amplification of ITS1– 5.8 S rRNA-ITS2 fragment was performed for microscopic-positive samples and PCR products were further sequenced. Trichomonads were identified in 26 out of 151 (17.22%) canine and 5 out of 87 (5.75%) feline samples. Higher frequency was observed in older dogs and dogs with intense dental calculus. T. brixi and T. tenax were the only species detected in both dogs and cats. The detection of zoonotic T. tenax in a substantial number of examined animals highlights the relevance of this finding also in the context of human health.