Comparison of selected biochemical parameters between naturally infected and non-infected goats with Anaplasma ovis

There are few extensive studies about biochemical profiles of caprine anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma ovis. For detection of A. ovis and its effect on serum biochemical parameters in goats of north and northeast Iran, blood samples were collected from 84 goats of different ages and of both sexes from ten suspected herds to anaplasmosis. Forty-seven out of 84 samples were positive (infected), and 37 samples were negative (uninfected) for A. ovis by PCR method. Biochemical analysis of infected goats indicated a significant (P?<?0.05) elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin, in addition to a nonsignificant (P?>?0.05) increase of total protein, albumin, and triglyceride, when compared to the uninfected goats. The cholesterol concentration in the infected goats was lower than that in the uninfected goats, but this difference was not statistically significant (P?>?0.05). The result of this study indicated that A. ovis infection in goats could be associated with marked alterations in serum biochemical parameters which could be helpful in the diagnosis of caprine anaplasmosis.     

Hematological alterations induced by phenol exposure in Oncorhynchus mykiss

In the present study, the impacts of phenol, a pollutant of inland water habitats, were investigated on Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish (weight?=?300?±?7.5 g, total length?=?18.58?±?3.8 cm) were subjected to 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/l of phenol concentration for 8 weeks. At the end of study, blood samples were taken via cardiac puncture by heparinized syringes, and hematological assays were done by standard methods. Red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration value decreased after phenol exposure while white blood cells counts showed an increase. The values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were not affected by phenol treatment. Our findings showed that hematological parameters can be used as diagnostic indices to evaluate the health status of O. mykiss after exposure to phenol.     

Seasonal changes in hematological parameters of Catla catla (Hamilton 1822)

Hematological parameters are repeatedly used as an essential diagnostic tool to assess the health condition of fish. The purpose of this study was to assess the reference values of some hematological parameters of Catla, Catla catla collected from a freshwater pond in a tropical climate of India from July 2008 to June 2010. Variations in hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of fish were compared according to sex and seasonal differences. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences between sexes and the results indicated that blood parameters levels between the sexes in summer were significantly different than that measure in other seasons except mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCHC value (P?<?0.05). The number of total leukocyte levels was found to be higher in female fish especially in reproductive seasons, but the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values were high in male fish in an annual period. However, there was no difference in MCH and MCHC values between the sexes and seasons throughout the study period. These may be related to season of sampling and changing physiological cycles during these months. The correlations between measured hematological parameters were also determined.     

Glutathione and iron at the crossroad of redox metabolism in rats infected by Trypanosoma evansi

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of blood during acute Trypanosoma evansi infection in Wistar rats. The end points studied were hematologic parameters, red blood cell fragility, iron content, and glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels. Forty-eight animals were infected with trypomastigotes and distributed into five groups according to the level of parasitemia. Twelve non-inoculated animals were used as control. Parasitemia increased progressively, reaching highest scores at 15 days post-inoculation. At this point, several deleterious effects were observed such as an increase in iron content, in osmotic fragility, and in lipid peroxidation index, while glutathione decreased drastically. These changes were highly correlated to parasitemia (p?<?0.0001) and among each other (p?≤?0.001). Hematological indices (Hb, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were also correlated to parasitemia (p?≤?0.0003) but failed to correlate to the other variables. Along with increase in iron, RBC fragility produced a decrease in RBC, PCV, and Hb, but not in mean corpuscular volume. Decrease in glutathione was negatively correlated to the end products of lipid peroxidation, clearly indicating the establishment of a pro-oxidant condition. The results show that the infection causes hematological impairments, increases iron and osmotic fragility, along with marked oxidative stress in red blood cells of rats inoculated with T. evansi.     

Hematological and biochemical responses of common carp Cyprinus carpio to direct infusion of crude oil

Crude oil is one of the dangerous pollutants within water ecosystems. The purpose of current research was to determine the controlled effects of LC_50–96h dose (22.4?±?0.03 ppm) of crude oil for 0, 24, 48, and 96 h on hematological and biochemical indices of juvenile common carp. Results showed significant elevation in the white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC; P?<?0.01). Exposure to crude oil significantly increased hemoglobin and hematocrite (P?<?0.01). Among RBC indices, only mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was not significantly different and both mean corpuscular volume and mean cell hemoglobin showed significant elevation after exposure (P?<?0.01). Just neutrophil and lymphocyte were found within WBC indices and both of them significantly changed (P?<?0.01). Among biochemical indices, in contrast to glucose, cortisol significantly elevated.     

Hematological alterations caused by high intensity of L3 larvae of Contracaecum sp Railliet & Henry, 1912 (Nematoda, Anisakidae) in the stomach of Hoplias malabaricus in lakes in Pirassununga, São Paulo

The objective of the present study was to discover the hematological indices of Hoplias malabaricus infected by larvae of Contracaecum sp. A total of 105 fish were collected from two lakes located in the municipal district of Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil, of which 95.2 % were infested by L₃ larvae of Contracaecum sp., with an average intensity of 348.7?±?231.55 helminths/fish. A total of 76 fish were analyzed to establish hematological parameters. Following analysis, it was found that there was a significant difference between hematological parameters Hct, erythrocytes (Er), thrombocytopenia (p?=?0.01), and Hb (p?=?0.02) in lakes A and B, while there was no significant difference for leukocyte (p?=?0.68), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p?=?0.06), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p?=?0.47). The intensity of infection correlated negatively with Er (r _s ?=??0.42; p?<?0.01) and positively for (r _s ?=?0.48; p?<?0.01). The high intensity of infection by Contracaecum sp. in H. malabaricus did not affect the health of the fish despite causing alterations in hematological variables.     

Anthelmintic effect of heather in goats experimentally infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis

The effects of heather (composed primarily of Calluna vulgaris with a smaller content of Erica umbellata and Erica cinerea) consumption on the establishment of incoming infective larvae (experiment 1, preventive treatment) and an adult worm population (experiment 2, curative treatment) were investigated in Cashmere goats experimentally infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis. In experiment 1, 12 castrated male goats were divided into two groups: heather-supplemented vs. non-supplemented animals. After 2 weeks of adaptation to the diet, all goats were experimentally infected per os with 6,000 T. colubriformis third-stage larvae. Three weeks post-infection, the goats were slaughtered, and worm counts as well as female worm fecundity and development were determined. Heather consumption was associated with a close to significant (P?=?0.092) reduction (mean 14 %) in larvae establishment. No effect on fecundity was observed, but the length of female worms in supplemented goats was greater (P?<?0.001). In experiment 2, 15 non-lactating does were experimentally infected with 6,000?T. colubriformis third-stage larvae. At 6 weeks post-infection, three groups were established: control, heather-supplemented and heather-supplemented with polyethylene glycol. Individual faecal nematode egg output was measured twice weekly to assess gastrointestinal nematode egg excretion. The goats were slaughtered 5 weeks after heather administration (11 weeks post-infection), and worm counts as well as female worm fecundity and development were subsequently determined. Heather administration was associated with a significant (P?<?0.001) decrease (between 47 and 66 % compared with control group) in egg excretion from 45 to 76 days post-infection. Although worm counts and female fecundity were lower in supplemented goats, no significant differences were observed. Overall, the results showed a reduction in T. colubriformis larvae establishment and a decrease in nematode egg excretion when heather was administered in experimentally infected goats. The heather plus polyethylene glycol treatment reduced nematode egg excretion levels at the same proportion as heather, thereby suggesting that the threshold of tannins required for an anthelmintic effect is most likely quite low.     

Measurement of hematological and biochemical studies on wild marine carnivorous fishes from Vellar estuary, southeast coast of India

Hematological parameters have been recognized as valuable tools for monitoring fish health. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were studied and compared between four marine carnivorous fish. Statistical analysis revealed that differences in hematological parameters between marine carnivorous fish were significant (P < 0.01). The result revealed that hematological red blood cells (RBC)/white blood cells (WBC) ratio, mean corpuscular volume, and mean cell hemoglobin concentration were significantly correlated at the P < 0.05 level. The RBC/WBC level increased due to the decrease in WBC during the study. Serum biochemical parameters can be used for confirming the maturity and monitoring any changes in the quality of waters and related soils.     

Evaluation of serum total protein concentration and protein fractions in sheep naturally infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia ovis</Emphasis>

Serum electrophoresis in cellulose acetate strip is a technique commonly used to separate the protein fractions. This technique allows detecting quantitative and qualitative changes in the serum proteins associated with different diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the changes of the serum protein fractions produced in sheep suffering from babesiosis. Blood samples were collected from 52 healthy and naturally infected sheep with Babesia ovis. Serum total proteins were calculated, and serum electrophoresis was performed. The parasitological diagnosis was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction assay by amplifying a partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence of B. ovis. Mean values from total proteins and globulin fractions were significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than that observed for the healthy group. Compared to the healthy group, significant decrease (P?<?0.05) in the mean percentage of albumin in the infected group was determined. Results obtained in this study showed that B. ovis infection has caused albumin reduction and increased serum total protein and globulin level.     

Antimalarial, hematological, and antioxidant effects of methanolic extract of Terminalia avicennioides in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae) is used traditionally to treat malaria in Nigeria. To establish its efficacy, methanolic extract of T. avicennioides bark was investigated for antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei (NK-65) in mice. Twenty-five mice in five groups were used for this study. Group 1 was uninfected normal control. Twenty mice infected with P. berghei were grouped as untreated negative control (group 2), 5 mg/kg b.w. p.o. artesunate-treated positive control (group 3), and 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. p.o. T. avicennioides-treated infected mice (groups 4 and 5, respectively). Four-day suppressive effects on P. berghei and hematological and oxidative statuses of the mice were assessed. Suppression of parasitemia by artesunate and methanolic extract of T. avicennioides (at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) after 1 day of treatment was 10, 18, and 11 % respectively; at day 5, the level of suppression was 77, 82, and 84 % respectively. P. berghei infection decreased hemoglobin, red blood cell, and lymphocyte counts and increased neutrophil count; artesunate and medicinal plant treatment restored these parameters to normal control levels. Also, artesunate and medicinal plant treatment of infected mice significantly (p?<?0.05) increased serum and liver superoxide dismutase activities and significantly (p?<?0.05) reduced serum malondialdehyde concentration compared to untreated infected mice. The antimalarial effect of T. avicennioides is comparable to that of artesunate. The restoration of oxidative and hematological statuses, to normal values by T. avicennioides, may provide better protection against the malaria severity and complications.     

Improving effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spirulina platensis</Emphasis> on hematological parameters in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> exposed to sublethal doses of cyanide

The detoxification effects of dietary Spirulina platensis were investigated through semi-static chronic toxicity test developed with potassium cyanide (KCN) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The addition of dried Spirulina platensis in diet improves the hematological parameters (mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin (Hb), and mean cell hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC)) in spirulina + cyanide (SC) group in comparison with the fish exposed to cyanide alone (CY). RBC count increased in fish fed with spirulina (SP) in comparison with the other groups. However, this increase was significant compared with SC and CY (P?<?0.05). hematocrit (HCT), MCHC, and Hb level showed no significant difference among groups (P?>?0.05). MCH level improved significantly in the SC group compared with the SP group (P?<?0.05). Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) level had its highest level in the CY group compared with the SP group. WBC count increased significantly in the SC group compared to the CY group (P?<?0.05). To sum up, it seems that, 10 % S. platensis in diet provided some protections against the toxic action of KCN and increased the chance of blood regeneration.     

Hemoparasite and hematological parameters in Nile tilapia

The accelerated growth of finfish aquaculture has resulted in a series of health problems, including blood disorders by hemoparasites; there are scarce studies about these agents and their impact in actual intensive farming. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the hemoparasites present in monocytes and erythrocytes in the blood of tilapia and their correlation with the hematological profile. Blood samples were collected from caudal vessels of 15 cage-reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with 70?±?10 g weight on average, from Itambaracá Municipality, Parana State, Brazil. The total red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, hematocrit, total and differential white blood cells counts, and the number of thrombocytes were determined in blood smears stained with May-Grünwald–Giemsa–Wright and Quick Panoptic. The results showed the presence of pleomorphic cytoplasmic inclusions with corrugated appearance and basophilic staining, mainly in monocytes, suggesting Anaplasmataceae parasitemia and inclusions with the same morphological characteristics in erythrocytes of one Nile tilapia. The hematological analysis showed no significant difference (P?<?0.05) between infected and not infected fish, and therefore, there was no correlation between parasitemia and hematological profile. These observations allow us to infer that the intracytoplasmic inclusions in monocytes and erythrocytes are compatible with the family Anaplasmataceae. There was no correlation between the blood profile and low level of parasitemia.     

Hematological and biochemical changes in organically farmed sheep naturally infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fasciola hepatica</Emphasis>

A naturally occurring outbreak of fasciolosis in a group of 20 Merinolandschaf (German Merino) sheep was studied. Hematological and blood biochemical values in sheep spontaneously infected with liver fluke Fasciola hepatica were compared with equivalent values in 20 parasite-free sheep from organically farmed flock. Investigated animals were kept in outdoor system, on pastures covered with swamps, which remain flooded after rainy season. Significantly lower red blood cell (RBC) count, lymphocytes, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and albumin were recorded in sheep from the infected herd, whereas white blood cell (WBC) count, eosinophil, segmented and band neutrophil count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), concentrations of glucose, and globulins were significantly higher than in the parasite free herd. No significant correlation between the investigated blood parameters and the number of F. hepatica eggs in the feces was detected. This study shows that hematological and biochemical values can be useful in early diagnosis and prognosis of sheep fasciolosis.     

Hematological changes before and after treatment in dairy cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment-related changes in hematological parameters in dairy cows affected by clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SE). One hundred seventy postpartum Holstein dairy cows were selected from a large commercial dairy farm. Cows of the SE group presented a significant decrease in PCV (P?<?0.05) and red blood cell (RBC) (P?<?0.05) values, when compared to healthy group, while the CE group presented a significant decrease (P?<?0.01) in PCV and RBC count, when compared to healthy and SE animals. Significant increases in white blood cell (WBC) (P?<?0.05), neutrophil (P?<?0.001), and lymphocyte (P?<?0.001) counts, in the CE and SE groups, were observed when compared to healthy cows. After treatment for CE, PCV and RBC count dropped significantly, whereas WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts decreased significantly (P?<?0.05). In the SE group, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts decreased significantly after treatment (P?<?0.05). The results obtained in this study confirm endometritis-induced changes in hematological parameter which improve after treatment.     

Hematological, serum biochemical parameters, and physiological responses to acute stress of Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso, Linnaeus 1785) juveniles fed dietary nucleotide

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary nucleotide on serum biochemical and hematological parameters as well as stress response in Beluga sturgeon Huso huso juveniles. Fish (12.6?±?0.5?g) were fed diets containing 0%, 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.35%, and 0.50% nucleotide over a 62-day period. The experiment was carried out in 600-L tanks with 30 fish per tank. Fish were fed five times a day until apparent satiation. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from treatments for investigation of biochemical and hematological parameters. Then, fish were subjected to an acute stress. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 6?h post stress, and plasma cortisol and glucose levels were determined. The results showed that total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, and globulin were not affected by dietary nucleotide (P?>?0.05). Hematocrit and hemoglobin values were significantly higher in the 0.35% treatment compared to those of the control (P?<?0.05). Beluga juveniles fed 0.5% dietary nucleotide had a significantly lower hemoglobin value (P?<?0.05). Lymphocyte proportion was significantly higher in the 0.25 and 0.35 nucleotide groups than in the control group (P?<?0.05). Cortisol and glucose levels in all groups were significantly affected by time; nevertheless, in fish fed nucleotides, stress-induced cortisol elevation was lower compared to that of the control group (P?<?0.05). The results indicated that dietary nucleotide supplementation was capable of affecting hematological parameters and physiological stress responses of Beluga juveniles.     

Hematological and plasma biochemistry in Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton 1822)

Hematological and plasma chemistry indices are important parameters for the evaluation of fish physiological status. In this study, we determined the results of selected hematological and plasma biochemical profiles in Cirrhinus mrigala captured from the wild in a tropical climate of India. Blood was analyzed using standard techniques, and differences in hematological parameters including hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of fish were compared according to sex and different seasons. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences (p?<?0.05) between sexes, and the results indicated that blood parameters levels between the sexes in summer were significantly different than that measure in other seasons except MCH and MCHC value. The number of total leukocyte levels was found to be higher in female fish especially in reproductive seasons (summer), but the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values were high in male fish in an annual period. However, there was no difference in MCH and MCHC values between the sexes and seasons throughout the study period. These may be related to season of sampling and changing physiological cycles during these months. Differences were noted in plasma lipid, cholesterol, and glucose level in the summer season, but the higher amount of plasma protein was found in spring and winter in male and female fish, respectively. In conclusion, monitoring fish hematological and biochemical parameters essentially can be a way to evaluate the physiological and health status of their populations, which may be a useful indicator of the environmental status.     

Changes in serum iron concentration and hepatic enzyme activities in cattle infected with Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina

Analyses for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and iron concentration were carried out in infected and uninfected cattle in order to determine the degree of hepatic damage and blood iron status caused by Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina. Blood samples from 30 infected and 20 uninfected cattle with T. annulata and also from 40 infected and 20 uninfected cattle with B. bigemina were taken. The biochemical analyses revealed increased serum AST and ALP activities in infected cattle with T. annulata and B. bigemina compared with uninfected cattle (P?<?0.05). Significant decreases in iron concentration were observed in cattle infected with T. annulata and B. bigemina when compared with uninfected cattle (P?<?0.05) although the level of serum iron concentration in infected cattle was within the normal reference values for cattle. It was concluded that iron deficiency anemia is not an important factor in T. annulata- and even in B. bigemina-infected cattle with severe intravascular hemolysis. The increased activities of serum enzymes indicated the hepatic injuries associated with infection with T. annulata and B. bigemina.     

Comparison of Oestrus ovis Metabolic and Somatic Antigens for the Immunodiagnosis of the Zoonotic Myasis Oestrosis by Immunoenzymatic Probes

Control of zoonosis implies reduction of infected animal hosts, and the first measure consists of a suitable and accurate detection test. An experimental study for determining the most appropriate antigen (metabolic or somatic) to be used in the detection of the oestrosis (Oestrus ovis) zoonotic myasis by means of immunoenzymatic probes was carried out. A flock of 23 uninfected goats was maintained under field conditions to allow their infection in Sassari (Sardinia, Italy). Caprine were bled monthly and serum samples processed by means of an iELISA. After comparing these results to the chronobiology of O. ovis, we proved that the IgG humoral response against the metabolic antigens increased only during the period of real risk of infestation (when adults fly, from May to September), whereas the absorbances against the somatic products were positive from the beginning of the study (in January, prior to infection). We concluded that the excretory/secretory products are most useful andsuitable for the immunodiagnosis of oestrosis in goats, because a direct relation between the development of O. ovis and the IgG humoral response is possible, allowing a more accurate diagnostic.     

Effects of alcohol consumption on experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice

Forty-two 3-week-old inbred albino mice were used to study the effect of alcohol consumption on experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. b. brucei) infection in mice. They were divided into three groups of 14 mice each. Group 1 mice received graded levels of ethanol at 10%, 20%, and 30% (v/v) in water for 1 week, 2 weeks, and the rest of the experimental period, respectively. At day?29 of the experiment, 1 ml of normal saline diluted blood of mice containing approximately 3.0?×?10⁶ T. b. brucei was given intraperitoneally to the mice in groups 1 and 2 (non alcohol-exposed). Group 3 mice (non alcohol-exposed uninfected) served as control. The animals in all the groups were given water and commercial diet ad libitum. The alcohol-exposed infected mice had significantly (P?<?0.01) higher levels of parasitaemia than the non alcohol-exposed infected group. All the alcohol-exposed infected mice died before the first mouse died in non alcohol-exposed infected group. The control group had significantly (P?<?0.01) higher body weights, packed cell volume, and red blood cell (RBC) counts than the other two groups. The body weights, RBC, and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in non alcohol-exposed when compared with the alcohol-exposed group. These results suggest that alcohol consumption increases the severity of T. b. brucei infection in mice.     

Response of resistant and susceptible Brazilian Somalis crossbreed sheep naturally infected by Haemonchus contortus

This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of Brazilian Somalis sheep to natural infections by gastrointestinal nematodes. During 98 days, 75 weaned sheep, initially 3–4 months old, were kept on the same pasture and evaluated. Fecal and blood samples were collected for parasitological and hematological exams. After this period, the eight most resistant and the eight most susceptible animals were selected based on their individual averages of nematode fecal egg counts and were slaughtered for worm burden determination and nematodes identification. Abomasum and abomasum lymph nodes were also recovered for gene expression analysis. The animals selected as resistant had lower fecal egg counts during experimental period and smaller worm burdens than the susceptible ones (P?<?0.05). The genus Haemonchus, followed by Trischostrongylus and Oesophagostomum, were identified in composite cultures. Haemonchus contortus was the specie identified in the abomasum. Packed cell volume and total plasma protein means were higher in the resistant group (27.2 % and 6.1 g/dL) than in the susceptible one (22.5 % and 5.3 g/dL), respectively. Regarding cytokine gene expression, IL-4 (P?<?0.05) was up-regulated in the abomasum of resistant animals and TNF-α (P?<?0.03) and IFN-γ (P?<?0.03) in susceptible ones. In abomasum lymph nodes, IL-4 (P?<?0.04) and IL-13 (P?<?0.05) were up-regulated in the resistant animals and IFN-γ in the susceptible one (P?<?0.01). This work provides further evidence that, within a given animal breed, individuals have different responses when infected by gastrointestinal nematodes. Resistant animals who responded more quickly and efficiently to these infections activated a TH2-type response.