TRICHOMONIASIS

infection by the flagellate protozoan parasite Trichomonas. Infection is most often intestinal, but it may occur in other cavities or organs such as the liver. The species T. vaginalis may be common in women, causing irritation of the vaginal mucosa; more than 50 percent of women with abnormal vaginal discharge may harbour the organism. The pear-shaped species T. gallinarum causes avian trichomoniasis in the intestine of fowl, especially chickens and turkeys. Symptoms are diarrhea, appetite and weight loss, ruffled feathers, and intestinal lesions. The method of transmission is not known. Also in birds, particularly pigeons, T. gallinae causes an often fatal infection in the upper intestine. T. foetus, in the sheath of bulls and the vagina and uterus of cows, produces bovine or venereal trichomoniasis. Transmitted through contamination or coitus, the parasites cause temporary infertility or abortion and may invade the unborn calf. Some immunity can be developed; certain bulls seem to be naturally resistant.