The quantitation of Trypanosoma congolense in calves. II. Biochemical changes.

Changes in serum electrolytes, osmolality, total proteins and protein fractions, lipid levels and organ function tests were determined in neonatal and 6-month-old calves infected with T. congolense TREU 112 and control calves. There were no consistent changes in electrolytes or osmolality for either age group of calves. There was a decrease in total serum protein in the infected 6-month-old calves, caused by decreases in the albumin and beta 2-globulin fractions. The total serum protein level remained constant in the infected neonatal calves, but there was a significant decrease in the albumin fraction which was compensated for by an increase in alpha-globulin and gamma-globulin fractions. Total serum lipids and cholesterol were decreased and triglyceride levels and erythrocyte phospholipid levels were significantly elevated in both age groups of infected calves. Tests of adrenal and hepatic function were not significantly different in infected calves compared to control calves of the same age group. Thyroid function tests showed that T3 was significantly elevated in infected 6-month-old calves, whereas T4 was significantly decreased in infected neonatal calves.