Seroprevalence of and associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels () in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

is an intracellular protozoan that infects humans and animals. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of and the associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels () in Mianwali district, Pakistan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 350 blood samples were obtained from male and female camels of different ages (≤3 years old, 4-6 years old, and ≥7 years old). To validate antibodies, the collected samples were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using purified recombinant micronemal protein 3 as an antibody catching antigen.

RESULTS

The prevalence of was 50.2% higher in male camels than in female camels (16.5%) (p<0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence of in camels was directly proportional to age (p<0.001). It was 63.33% (57/90) in camels of ≥7 years of age, 32.54% in 4-6 years old age group, and 23.08% in ≤3 years old age group. The hematological analysis of infected camels revealed a significant increase in the values of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, lymphocyte percentage, monocyte percentage (MONO%), corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and procalcitonin. Furthermore, substantially higher levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the macro-mineral potassium were found in the serum of -infected camels.

CONCLUSION

The seropositivity of is directly associated with the age and sex of camels, which may be considered as potential risk factors. Furthermore, infection directly impacts the hemato-biochemistry of infected camels.