Sample collection factors affect the sensitivity of the diagnostic test for Tritrichomonas foetus in bulls.
The current diagnostic test for Tritrichomonas foetus involves the culture of collected preputial or vaginal samples. In an earlier study, which evaluated sampling tools for use with bulls, it was observed that the sensitivity of the diagnostic test was higher for 2nd samples collected from the right side of the prepuce than it was for samples collected 1st from the left side. The study described in this paper was conducted to evaluate which of these factors was responsible for the effect on diagnostic sensitivity. Twenty-nine bulls infected with T. foetus were repeatedly sampled in a 2-factor cross-over design. Samples taken from the right side of the prepuce were 4 times as likely to be positive as samples taken from the left side (P = 0.03). Other factors did not have a significant effect on the outcome of the diagnostic test. Unexpected factors may affect the sensitivity of the diagnostic test for T. foetus.
Parker
Sarah
S
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4.
Campbell
John
J
Ribble
Carl
C
Gajadhar
Alvin
A
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D010413:Penis / Q000469:parasitology; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D011529:Protozoan Infections, Animal; D011897:Random Allocation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000662:veterinary; D016835:Tritrichomonas foetus / Q000302:isolation & purification*