PAKISTAN
VETERINARY
JOURNAL
     
 
previous page   Pak Vet J, 2014, 34(2): 209-213   next page
 
Clinical, Haematological and Biochemical Alterations Associated with an Outbreak of Theileriosis in Dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia
 
Alaa B. Ismael1, Ayman A. Swelum2*, Ahmed F. Khalaf3 and Mohamed A. Abouheif2
 
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Turaba, 21995, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; 3Tilad Veterinary Laboratory, Riyadh11451, Saudi Arabia
*Corresponding author: Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt aymanswelum@yahoo.com

Abstract   

The aim of the study was to investigate and describe the clinical, parasitological haematological and biochemical findings induced by natural theileriosis in Camelus dromedarius. Sixty-seven out of 173 dromedary camels suffering clinically from fever, anorexia, swelling of the superficial lymph nodes, a rapid loss of condition, lacrimation, abortion and/or infertility were included in the study. Parasitological examinations of blood and faecal samples were performed for all camels using Giemsa-stained blood smears and standard flotation sedimentation techniques, respectively. The clinically affected camels were diagnosed with theileriosis (n=67) with a 38.73% overall morbidity and a 0% case fatality rate. Camels that suffered from theileriosis were subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis and matched with clinically healthy camels as controls (n=23). The haematological analysis revealed a highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in the total RBC count, HGB concentration, HCT and MCV in the affected camels. In addition, significant increases (P<0.01) in platelets and PCT were observed. The biochemical analysis revealed a highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in the iron level. Significant increases (P<0.01) in GGT, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and LDH blood levels were detected in affected camels when compared with the controls. In conclusion, theileriosis greatly affected the hematobio- chemical parameters of dromedary camels, including the liver, kidney and muscle functions. Our results can serve as the basis for subsequent studies in dromedaries under natural and experimental conditions.

Key words: Dromedary camel, Clinical, Haematological, Biochemical, Theileriosis

 
   

ISSN 0253-8318 (Print)
ISSN 2074-7764 (Online)



scopus
 
DOI
 
DOAJ SEAL