The protamine sulphate test as a screening test for intravascular coagulation in experimental Babesia bovis infections.

The protamine sulphate test (PST) was studied as a screening test for intravascular coagulation in experimental Babesia bovis infections. The test became positive in 39 of 42 splenectomised calves and two of six intact cattle tested during acute infections. Haematological studies during the course of infection in two splenectomised and six intact cattle indicated that a positive PST was reliable evidence for intravascular coagulation. Of four splenectomised and one intact cattle that were positive to the test and were subsequently autopsied, all had histopathological changes indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It was concluded that the PST could be used as a screening test for DIC in acute bovine babesiosis.