Molecular identification of Pentatrichomonas hominis in animals in central and western Thailand

• DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02904-y
• Publication Date: 2021-06-02T13:09:59Z
• Authors: Aongart Mahittikorn; Ruenruetai Udonsom; Khuanchai Koompapong; Rachatawan Chiabc...; Chantira Sutthiko...; Preeyaporn Monatr...; Hirotake Mori; Supaluk Popruk
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Swine; Veterinary medicine; Gene; Genetic diversity; Agricultural and Biological Sciences; Ecological Interactions of Parasites in Ecosystems; Feces; SF600-1100; Parasite hosting; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Internal medicine; Phylogeny; Immunology and Microbiology; 18S ribosomal RNA; Ecology; Goats; Sequence analysis; Life Sciences; Cercopithecidae; Thailand; Polymerase chain reaction; 3. Good health; Trichomonadida; World Wide Web; Environmental health; Ribosomal RNA; Physical Sciences; Medicine; Genotype; Population; Microbiology; Host-Parasite Interactions; 03 medical and health sciences; Dogs; Virology; CATS; Genetics; Animals; Poultry Coccidiosis Research and Control; Biology; Research; Computer science; Pentatrichomonas hominis; Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Parasitic Diseases; FOS: Biological sciences; Environmental Science; Cats; Cattle; Parasitology; Animal Science and Zoology

Abstract Background Pentatrichomonas hominis inhabits the digestive tracts of several vertebrates, such as humans, monkeys, pigs, dogs, cats and rats. This protozoan was originally considered a commensal of the digestive tract but has subsequently been identified as a potential zoonotic parasite and a causative agent of diarrhoea. Molecular techniques are considered more sensitive and specific to detect P. hominis. This study aimed to determine the presence and genetic diversity of P. hominis in animals in Thailand. A total of 403 faecal samples were collected from 119 cats, 55 dogs, 73 goats, 35 monkeys, 55 cattle and 66 pigs, and the presence of P. hominis was determined using the nested polymerase chain reaction method. Sequence analysis of small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes was used to determine the genotype of the organism.

Results Twenty-six samples (26/403, 6.45%) were positive for P. hominis. The highest prevalence was found in cats (21/119; 17.65%), followed by cattle (3/55; 5.45%) and dogs (2/55; 3.64%). Seven out of 26 nucleotides demonstrated 100% sequence identity with existing sequences; additionally, 16 novel sequence patterns were identified. All nucleotide sequences of P. hominis-positive samples were shown in the same branch with the previously described P. hominis sequences found in humans, dogs and goat.

Conclusion This is the first study on P. hominis infections in animals in Thailand. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of P. hominis was significantly higher in cats than in cattle and dogs. Cats were the main reservoir host; however, P. hominis can infect several kinds of animals. Therefore, the proper waste management of animals is necessary to reduce and prevent infection in the community.