Haematological profile of dromedary camels naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Abstract

Background: Trypanosomiasis is widely distributed in African and Asian camel livestock. It is among the major constraint to camel production and causes serious economic losses. The disease control and management required knowledge about its impact on animal health. Objectives: The present study aims to confirm T. evansi infection in studied animals and to determine the modifications of haematological parameters in infected camels compared to non-infected ones. Methods: A total of 241 dromedary camels were randomly selected. Parasitological and serological tests were performed to confirm the infection. Haematological parameters (Red Blood cell Count, White Blood Cells, haemoglobin concentration, Packed Cell Volume, Mean Cell Volume, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration, Red cell Distribution Width and White Blood cell Count) were automatically analysed, differential leukocyte counts was manually carried out and morphological abnormalities of erythrocytes were recorded. Results: Trypanosoma evansi infection was confirmed in 3.6% of animals by microscopy and in 57.3% by serology. In seropositives camels, the most important haematological alterations were microcytic hypochromic anaemia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, eosinophilia and anisocytosis. Conclusion:On the basis of these findings, haematological parameters, markedly affected in T. evansi infection, are good biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. They may be used for planning control programs to reduce its impact on camel livestock production.