Sequential haematological and serum biochemical changes in Black Bengal goats infected with a local isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus from Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of sequential changes in haematobiochemical parameters of infected animals helps in the formulation of appropriate supportive therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the sequential haematological and biochemical changes in peste des petits ruminants (PPR)-infected Black Bengal goats.

METHODS

Goats were either infected with PPR virus (PPRV; n = 8) or sham infected with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (n = 4) via the intranasal route. Blood and sera were collected from both groups at different days post-infection (dpi) and analysed. Goats were sacrificed at different dpi and the amount of PPRV RNA in different tissues was quantified by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The PPRV-infected goats showed mild depression and scanty nasal secretions starting at 4 dpi which became severe with high fever (106°F), dyspnoea, stomatitis, profuse orinasal discharge and diarrhoea at 9-13 dpi. PPRV RNA was detected in different tissues of infected goats. Severe lymphocytic leukopenia (at 18 dpi) was observed in infected goats. Total protein and albumin decreased in infected goats starting at 10 dpi. An elevated level of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and metabolites (blood urea nitrogen and urea B) were found in infected goats starting at 7-10 dpi, suggesting damages in the liver and kidneys. PPR-infected goats showed elevated sodium and chloride ions starting at 7 dpi. The majority of infected goats were seroconverted by 14 dpi.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-diarrheal agents, aqua solutions and other medicine to support liver and kidney functions could be considered as supportive therapy against PPRV infection.