2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, this study revealed an increased abundance of Streptococcus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the feces of healthy dogs that had received the probiotic SIVOY. Further studies may be warranted to evaluate the effect of this probiotic on the microbial composition within the upper GI tract. Tritrichomonas foetus (TF) is a flagellated protozoal pathogen responsible for chronic diarrhea and reproductive failure in domestic felids and cattle, respectively. There is no safe and efficacious preventative or treatment for feline trichomonosis. Previous studies have identified two surface antigens (1.15 and 1.17) that are expressed by bovine TF and promote its survival and pathogenicity towards the host epithelium. Bovine and feline TF are highly similar, therefore these surface epitopes may be conserved between TF genotypes and may provide a similar pathogenic benefit to feline TF. The study aims were to determine if feline TF express 1.15 and 1.17 and if neutralization of these antigens with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) ameliorates intestinal epithelial cell destruction.