IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF TRITRICHOMONAS-FETUS IN FORMALIN-FIXED, PARAFFIN-EMBEDDED SECTIONS OF BOVINE PLACENTA AND FETAL LUNG

An immunohistochemical technique using a monoclonal antibody was evalu ated as a diagnostic tool to specifically label Tritrichomonas foetus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of placenta and fetal lu ng from bovine abortions. Trichomonads were demonstrated in tissues fr om each of 12 abortions due to T. foetus and none of 15 abortions due to other or unidentified causes. Moderate to marked background stainin g occurred only in severely autolyzed tissues from T. foetus-infected fetuses. The antibody faintly labeled 1 of 3 other species of trichomo nads (Trichomonas gallinae) but did not label other protozoa, bacteria , or fungi tested.