Molecular Identification of Trypanosomes and Their Effects on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Donkeys in Punjab, Pakistan

摘要

The study was designed to investigate the molecular identification and prevalence and of trypanosomiasis and its effects on hematological and biochemical parameters in donkeys. Blood samples were collected from 657 donkeys of three districts: Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Mandi Bahaudin in Punjab province of Pakistan. Prevalence of Trypanosoma was observed by microscopy of Giemsa’s stained blood smear; whereas, serum and hematological parameters were determined by serum biochemistry and hematologic analyzer, respectively. Multiplex PCR was used to differentiate the species of Trypanosoma in diseased animals. Out of 657 donkeys screened 58 (8.83%) were detected positive for trypanosomiasis by microscopic examination. Gujranwala was found to have highest prevalence (11.58%) followed by Gujrat (8.23%) and Mandi Bahaudin (5.39%), respectively. Hemoglobin, red blood cells count, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular volume were significantly (P<0.05) lower in infected animals; whereas, total leucocyte count and lymphocyte count were significantly (P<0.05) higher in infected animals. Total protein, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly (P<0.05) increased in the infected animals. Macrocyte, microcyte, acanthocyte, dacrocyte and bizarre shaped red blood cells were observed in infected animals. Multiplex PCR showed that Trypanosoma evansi was the most prevalent species.