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 ofdromedary 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.