Therapeutic efficacy of metronidazole and Sulphamethoxazole-Trimethoprim in managing trichomoniasis in black kites (Milvus migrans) and domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) with reference to Hematological alterations

Abstract

Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas gallinae, is a significant protozoan disease affecting a wide range of avian species, including domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) and black kites (Milvus migrans). The present study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Metronidazole and Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim, with emphasis on associated haematological alterations in naturally infected birds. In pigeons, haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations significantly decreased from 12.6 g/dL to 10.2 g/dL, accompanied by a marked reduction in packed cell volume (PCV) from 38.4% to 31.2%. Heterophil counts significantly increased from 58.8% to 65.2%, whereas lymphocyte counts declined from 29.6% to 21.3%, yielding an elevated heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio of 3.07. Black kites exhibited comparable trends, with Hb decreasing from 13.2 g/dL to 10.9 g/dL, heterophils increasing to 64.6%, and lymphocytes decreasing to 23.7%, resulting in an H/L ratio of 2.72. Therapeutic evaluation revealed that Metronidazole was markedly superior, achieving 100% recovery in mild infections, 75% improvement in moderate cases, and 50% efficacy in severe trichomoniasis. Birds receiving Metronidazole also demonstrated more substantial haematological normalization. Conversely, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim exhibited limited efficacy, with only 50% improvement in mild cases and negligible response in moderate or severe infections. These findings underscore the clinical value of Metronidazole as the preferred therapeutic option for avian trichomoniasis and highlight the utility of haematological indices as indicators of disease severity and treatment response.