Effects of experimentally induced Theileria annulata infection on the pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline in cross-bred calves.

The effects of an experimental Theileria annulata infection on the intravenous (10 mg kg-1) pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline (OTC) were investigated in crossbred calves. The serum concentration-time curve of oxytetracycline before and after the experimental infection was best described by an open two-compartment model. The experimental infection was induced by a subcutaneous administration of ground-up tick supernate (GUTS) equivalent to 30 Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks infected with Theileria annulata. It produced a definite temperature rise and symptoms of clinical disease in the calves. The haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) counts and serum Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations decreased after onset of the infection. The distribution and elimination half-lives (t1/2 alpha and t1/2 beta), volume of the central compartment (Vc), AUC0-infinity, AUMC and mean residence time (MRT), were significantly reduced (P < or = 0.05) and the hybrid rate constants K12, Kel, K12/K21 ratio and total body clearance (ClB) of oxytetracycline were significantly (P < or = 0.05) increased after infection. The infection, however, had no effect on the C0, K21, apparent and steady-state volumes of distribution (Vd(area) and Vdss) of the drug. The above changes may necessitate changes in the dosage regimen of oxytetracycline used to treat Theileria infections in cattle under field conditions.