Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Pakistan

Aamir Shehzad, Awais Masud, Tabassam Fatima, Fraz Munir Khan, Saifur Rehman, Mustofa Helmi Effendi, Lucia Tri Suwanti, Iahtasham Khan, Wiwiek Tyasningsih, Shah Faisal, Zain Ul Abadeen, Samreen Bibi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan that infects humans and animals. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Mianwali district, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A total of 350 blood samples were obtained from male and female camels of different ages (≤3 years old, 4-6 years old, and ≥7 years old). To validate T. gondii antibodies, the collected samples were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using purified recombinant micronemal protein 3 as an antibody catching antigen. Results: The prevalence of T. gondii was 50.2% higher in male camels than in female camels (16.5%) (p<0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence of T. gondii in camels was directly proportional to age (p<0.001). It was 63.33% (57/90) in camels of ≥7 years of age, 32.54% in 4-6 years old age group, and 23.08% in ≤3 years old age group. The hematological analysis of infected camels revealed a significant increase in the values of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, lymphocyte percentage, monocyte percentage (MONO%), corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and procalcitonin. Furthermore, substantially higher levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the macro-mineral potassium were found in the serum of T. gondii-infected camels. Conclusion: The seropositivity of T. gondii is directly associated with the age and sex of camels, which may be considered as potential risk factors. Furthermore, T. gondii infection directly impacts the hemato-biochemistry of infected camels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)110-118
Number of pages9
JournalVeterinary World
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Biochemistry
  • Camel
  • Hematology
  • Public health
  • Seroprevalence
  • Toxoplasma gondii

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Pakistan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this