Question

Bulls infected with Tritrichomonas foetus are difficult to cure because
A. The parasite has become resistant to most of the drugs
B. There is frequent localization of parasite in testis and epididymis
C. The parasite localizes in prepucial folds where the drug cannot reach easily
D. The drugs used may result in tissue damage

• A. A and B only
• B. A, C and D only
• C. A, B and C only
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Remember that Tritrichomonas foetus is strictly a mucosal/surface parasite of the preputial sheath in bulls and does not penetrate into the testes or epididymis.
Eliminating B from the choices leaves (B) as the only logical answer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Tritrichomonas foetus is a flagellated venereal protozoan of cattle that causes bovine trichomoniasis, characterized by early embryonic death, abortion, and pyometra in cows.
Bulls act as asymptomatic, permanent carriers of the infection.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate why curing infected bulls is exceptionally difficult:
- Statement A: Curing is difficult because there are very few approved, highly effective trichomonacidal drugs available in veterinary medicine, and many strains have developed resistance to existing nitroimidazole derivatives.
Thus, Statement A is correct.
- Statement B: Tritrichomonas foetus is a surface-dwelling parasite of the genital tract.
It colonizes the preputial cavity, preputial secretion, and the surface of the glans penis and distal urethra.
It does not typically migrate or localize within the internal reproductive organs like the testis and epididymis.
Thus, Statement B is incorrect.
- Statement C: The flagellates reside deep within the poorly vascularized crypts and folds of the prepuce and penile sheath.
This makes it highly difficult for systemically administered therapeutic drugs to reach effective inhibitory concentrations in the preputial secretions.
Thus, Statement C is correct.
- Statement D: Historically used local antiseptic and therapeutic washes (such as acriflavine, organic iodides, or silver nitrate) are highly irritating and can cause severe local tissue inflammation, necrosis, and subsequent preputial adhesions.
Thus, Statement D is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Since statements A, C, and D are correct, and B is incorrect, the correct option is (B).