Concurrent Infection of Histomonas meleagridis and Pentatrichomonas hominis in a Blackhead Disease Outbreak in Turkeys.

Abstract

Intestinal health plays a major role in profitable and efficient turkey production. Blackhead disease (histomoniasis) is caused by Histomonas meleagridis, an anaerobic protozoan parasite. Histomonas meleagridis disrupts intestinal integrity and may cause systemic infection. Some field outbreaks of blackhead disease are associated with low morbidity and mortality, while in some instances, it may cause severe morbidity and mortality. In the current study, a presumptive diagnosis of blackhead disease was made based on the characteristic gross lesions in the liver and ceca. The cecal culture, PCR, and sequencing confirmed the presence of H. meleagridis and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Pentatrichomonas hominis has been reported in enteritis cases of several other species, such as dogs, cats, and cattle. The impact of P. hominis on intestinal health of turkeys has not previously been studied, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of concurrent H. meleagridis and P. hominis infection in turkeys.