DefinePK

Abstract

Equine piroplasmosis is a clinically significant widespread tick borne disease affecting equine population. Thus, this study aims to describe the clinical signs, correlation between the developed anemias and mineral status along with the lipid peroxidation product Malondialdehyde (MDA) in naturally occurring T. equi infected horses in Egypt. Twenty-five horses of different age and sex were involved in this study; horses have signs compatible with babesial infection were examined. Fever, hemoglobinuria and icterus were the most consistent clinical signs recorded in this study. The hematology picture showed decrease in red cell parameters along with leucocytosis. Macrocytic hypochromic anemia was found in infected horses alongside relative increase in copper and relative decrease in ferrous and zinc. MDA showed very statistically significant difference when compared to control data. In conclusion, high level of MDA along with reduction in PCV, HB, and RBCs count is indicating the presence of oxidative stress and implicating the process as a cause of anemia in T. equi infection. The mineral status (Cu, Zn, Fe) appeared to be directly affected by the parasite and the mineral status influenced by the anemic syndrome associated with T. equi. Inversely correlation between zinc and MDA level might be used in planning the treatment strategy of T. equi. Including these minerals in treatment regimen of T. equi will help to counter the anemic nature of the disease.