In Vitro Susceptibility to Metronidazole of Tritrichomonas foetus Bovine Isolates from Argentina

Abstract

Background: Tritrichomonas foetus is the etiologic agent of the sexually transmitted disease Bovine Trichomonosis (BT). In Argentina, BT is endemic and represents a relevant health problem that causes reproductive inefficiency in cattle and large economic losses. Metronidazole is the drug of choice in the treatment of BT. Treatment has been associated with a temporary resolution of the clinical signs but is not able to control the disease. In recent years, the apparition of in vivo and in vitro aerobic and anaerobic resistance leading to ineffective treatments has been reported. Aims: Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the susceptibility of six different isolates of T. foetus under aerobic (AC) and anaerobic (ANC) conditions. Results and discussion: Six isolates of T. foetus were obtained from samples of preputial smegma of bovine origin. Values of minimum lethal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration were higher than those observed in other works and represent current data in Argentina and provide information to establish new treatment protocols.