Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

Trichomonas is known as a common protozoan that causes a sexually transmitted disease in humans called trichomonosis, as well as venereal and intestinal trichomonosis in cattle and cats, respectively. This parasite also causes avian trichomonosis or termed “canker” in the gastrointestinal tract of birds. Three main pathogenic species (T. vaginalis, T. foetus, T. gallinae ) belonging this genus are identified and recorded in different parts of the world, however their presence and epidemiology are still incompletely known in other parts, in particular T. foetus in Iraq. The purpose of this review is to update information of this disease based on electronic search of databases to document the presence and prevalence of Trichomonas spp. in human and some animals in Iraqi cities. The findings show that the infection by T. vaginalis and T. tenax in human and T. gallinae in birds is identified in Iraq, recording different percentages rates. However, venereal and intestinal trichomonosis caused by T. foetus tend to be little or absent in cattle and cats, respectively. Where venereal trichomonosis is only found in cattle of Basra and Nineveh provinces while intestinal trichomonosis is not recorded in Iraq yet. T. hominis is recorded in middle and northern areas of Iraq. In conclusion, less or absence of the infection in cattle or cats may be ascribed into animal breed, climate, less of studies and/or other unknown factors. Thus, epidemiological and molecular studies are needed to investigate the presence and prevalence of this disease, particularly in cattle and cats of Iraq.