Genital lesions in cows naturally infected with trypanosomes in Abuja, Nigeria

Different species of trypanosomes have been reported to cause varying degrees of reproductive disorders in pregnant and non-pregnant animals under experimental infections. Information on reproductive disorders and losses in animals naturally infected with trypanosome species are few. This study was carried out to assess the abnormalities in the genital organs (ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina) of female cattle naturally infected with trypanosomes in and around Abuja, Nigeria.

Cows showing signs such as emaciation, weakness, or anemia were selected and examined at Gwagwalada and Karu abattoirs, respectively. Venous blood samples were taken from 108 of such animals and screened using standard trypanosome detection methods. The genital organs were also collected and inspected for gross and histopathological lesions in the laboratory.

Six (5.55%) out of the 108 animals were positive for trypanosomes; 4 (66.7%) were infected with Trypanosoma vivax and 2 (33.3%) were infected with Trypanosoma congolense. The mean packed cell volume of the infected animals was 22.83%. Grossly, congestion and ecchymotic hemorrhages were observed in the endometrium, myometrium, and cervical submucosa. Mucometra, hydrometra, and pyometra were also seen in the uterus. Histologically, necrosis of the epithelium and endometrial glands accompanied by mononuclear cellular infiltration was observed in the uterus. There was also sloughing of the endometrial epithelium, vascular congestion, and hypertrophy of serosa of the uterus. There was atropy of the granulosa cells, increased numbers of degenerating tertiary follicles, and absence of corpora lutea in the ovary. No gross or histopathological lesions were observed in the fallopian tube and vagina.

The lesions observed were restricted to the uterus and ovary of the animals and were less severe when compared to lesions observed under experimental conditions as reported by previous authors.