First study confirming the transmission of Trypanosoma vivax in cattle through rectal palpation: how many animals can be infected by reusing the same procedure glove, and what role does iodine play as a disinfectant?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Trypanosoma vivax is transmitted via rectal palpation in cattle, using the same glove with different blood scores, from an animal with an acute infection of this protozoan. In addition, the efficacy of iodine as disinfectant, together with water with or without the presence of feces, to prevent the transmission of T. vivax in cattle during the rectal palpation process was evaluated in the laboratory and animals. A total of four stages were carried out, using a total of 103 animals. Stage 1 aimed to verify the presence of trypomastigote forms of T. vivax in palpation gloves after rectal palpation. Stage 2 consisted of checking the blood scores on a palpation glove and how many animals become infected with T. vivax through rectal palpation by reusing the same glove with different blood scores. Stage 3 verified the disinfectant action of 0.5% iodine in the laboratory and in the field. Stage 4 verified the disinfectant action of 1% iodine in the field. Based on the results found, for the first time, the transmission of T. vivax via rectal palpation in cattle was proven using the same glove. From one animal with acute infection by this protozoan, two to five other cattle became infected, depending on the glove blood scores. Disinfecting the glove in a 0.5% iodine solution inhibited the transmission rate of T. vivax among cattle by 70 to 80%. Disinfecting the glove in 1% iodine solution was 100% effective. This work fills gaps in the existing literature, as the transmission of T. vivax via rectal palpation in cattle was demonstrated using the same glove.