Polish biologists from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences have found the microorganism Trichomonas tenax, traditionally considered a parasite of the human oral cavity, in domestic pets. The findings were published in the journal «Veterinary Research Communications», according to infohub.kz.
The researchers collected and examined swabs from the mouths of 238 pets, including 151 dogs and 87 cats. Laboratory culturing detected trichomonads in samples from 17 percent of the dogs and nearly 6 percent of the cats.
Trichomonas tenax ranked second in prevalence and was among the few parasites found in both species of pets. The researchers noted that among dogs, the risk of infection was higher in animals older than nine years and in those with heavy tartar buildup.
The scientists suggest that humans themselves are the source of infection for the animals. Notably, all the infected cats were kept exclusively indoors, never left the home and interacted mainly with their owners. The higher carrier rate among dogs is explained by their frequent walks and active contact with other dogs outdoors.
T. tenax trichomonads are transmitted through saliva, feed on microbes between the teeth and can release enzymes that break down collagen fibers and the soft tissues of the gums, sometimes spreading into the lymph nodes. The authors of the study, led by Agnieszka Piekara-Stępińska, noted that the zoonotic potential of these protozoa requires further study, as infection rates among domestic animals in different countries range from low levels to 38 percent.