Molecular Characterization and Assessment of Hematobiochemical and Oxidative Indices in Dog Naturally Infected with Babesia canis vogeli

Abstract

Background: The study was aimed at molecular detection and assessment of important biomarkers in the natural cases of canine babesiosis. Methods: Blood samples of 239 dogs were examined in PCR by targeting 18S rRNA gene. Hematobiochemical, oxidant-antioxidant and plasma cortisol parameters were estimated in the dogs on the day of presentation. Result: The 18S rRNA gene sequence showed 100% homology with Babesia canis vogeli and phylogram formed a tight cluster of B. canis vogeli originated from India/other countries. Higher prevalence rate (P less than 0.05) was noted in the PCR (7.95%) than the cytological technique (3.76%). Hemogram of infected dogs showed decrease (P less than 0.05) in the mean value of hemoglobin, RBC, WBC, HCT, whereas an increase in MCHC, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and thrombocytes. The ALT (49.29±1.53 U/L), AST (48.33±2.93 U/L), total protein (10.56±0.60 g/dL), creatinine (1.41±0.10 mg/dL) and urea (19.32±0.97 mg/dL) showed significant (P less than 0.005) increase, whereas decrease in the levels of serum glucose (82.76±2.78 mg/dL) in the infected dogs. Activity of MDA and SOD was significantly (P less than 0.01) increased (7.50±7.08 nmole/µL blood) and decreased (0.015±3.91 nmole/µL blood) in the diseased dogs, respectively. Plasma cortisol concentration was 11.10±7.84 nmol/L and 2.77±5.78 nmol/L (P less than 0.01) in the infected and uninfected dogs, respectively.