Molecular Identification and Survey of Trichomonad Species in Pigs in Shanxi Province, North China.

Several trichomonad species have already been identified in pigs, and their pathogenic potential may not be ruled out. To date, however, no information is available regarding the prevalence of trichomonads in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. In the present study, a total of 362 fecal samples collected from pigs in three representative counties (Qi, Jishan, and Shanyin) in this province were examined for , , and using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall prevalence of was 49.72%, and region and age were found to be significantly associated with infection, respectively. Only one pig fecal sample from Qi County was found to be positive for , and all samples were negative for . Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed that some isolates showed complete genetic identity with those reported previously, and some isolates and one isolate showed minor allelic variations compared with those reported previously. This is the report of the molecular epidemiology of and in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. These findings not only enrich the knowledge on the distribution of these trichomonad species in pigs in China but also provide baseline information for planning future research and control strategies.