Induced Tritrichomonas foetus infection in beef heifers

Four virgin beef heifers were inoculated intravaginally with 7 x 10(6) Tritrichomonas foetus organisms. Protozoal colonization of the vagina, cervix, and uterus developed within the first week after inoculation. Protozoa were no longer detected in secretions from these regions at approximately the same time in each heifer. Trichomonads were detected in reproductive tract secretions for 13 to 28 weeks. Eight weeks after clearance of trichomonads from the reproductive tract, a second infection was established in 2 of the 4 heifers by intravaginal inoculation of T foetus. The second infections were maintained for up to 4 weeks. The diagnostic sensitivity of wet-mount examination of the reproductive tract secretions was 30%, compared with 78% for culture of trichomonads in secretions. Collection and culturing of specimens of cervical and vaginal mucus provided the most reliable method for diagnosis of trichomoniasis during induced infection of heifers.