Changes in biochemical analytes in calves infected by nematode parasites in field conditions

de Cezaro, M. C., Tvarijonaviciute, A., Tecles, F., Céron, J. J., Eckersall, D. , Ferreira, J. C.P. and Schmidt, E. M.S. (2016) Changes in biochemical analytes in calves infected by nematode parasites in field conditions. Veterinary Parasitology, 219, pp. 1-6. (doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.01.018) (PMID:26921032)

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Abstract

Parasitic infections caused by nematodes are a major problem in bovines that resulting in losses in animal health and production. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in selected serum biochemical analytes in calves naturally infected with gastrointestinal (GI) and pulmonary nematodes without clinical signs. For this, samples of feces and blood of 86 calves were collected. Fecal egg counts (FEC) were determined using the modified McMaster technique with a sensitivity of 50 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Positive nematode FEC was processed for coproculture using pooled samples to identify Strongylidae infective larvae (L3). First stage-larvae (L1) of Dictyocaulus viviparous were identified by a modified Baermann method. The biochemical analytes determined were: acute phase proteins such as haptoglobin and paraoxonase type 1; the enzymes acetylcholinesterase; butyrylcholinesterase; the lipid profile (triglycerides and total, HDL, and LDL-cholesterol); serum iron profile (iron and unsaturated iron-binding capacity); total protein and albumin; pancreatic profile (amylase and lipase); and minerals (phosphorus and calcium). The calves were divided into four groups according to the results of EPG and the modified Baermann method. Group 1: healthy control animals (n = 16); Group 2: calves with only GI parasites (n = 51): This group was sub-divided into sub-groups according to the EPG threshold: 2a—GI parasites with low EPG (n = 23), and 2b—GI parasites with high EPG (n = 28). Group 3: animals with only lungworms (n = 5), and Group 4: calves with lung + GI parasites (n = 14). The more prevalent genera in all coprocultures were: Cooperia spp., Haemonchus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the groups and Dunn's post-test was used for multiple comparisons as the data was not normally distributed (P < 0.05). The haptoglobin concentration increased in calves with GI and pulmonary parasites. A significant increase in acetylcholinesterase was observed in calves infected with lungworms. Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL concentrations decreased but lipase concentration increased in calves with GI parasites. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the biochemical effects produced by nematode parasites in calves in field conditions. These findings in calves without any evident clinical signs of disease could provide an indication of GI parasites and lungworm infection, especially in an endemic area for these parasites.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Eckersall, Professor David
Authors: de Cezaro, M. C., Tvarijonaviciute, A., Tecles, F., Céron, J. J., Eckersall, D., Ferreira, J. C.P., and Schmidt, E. M.S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Veterinary Parasitology
Publisher:Elsevier B.V.
ISSN:0304-4017
ISSN (Online):1873-2550
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Veterinary Parasitology 219:1-6
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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