Theileriosis and babesiosis in cattle: haemogram and some biochemical parameters.

A total number of 43 of field cases of cattle of both sexes were clinically and laboratory investigated in this study. 15 cattle of both sexes out of this number were found clinically healthy free from both internal, external and blood parasites. Clinical and laboratory examination revealed that about 20 animals were found suffering from theileriosis and 8 animals were found suffering from babesiosis. Blood smears were prepared directly from ear vein for all animals and lymph smears were prepared from suspected cases of theileriosis. The blood smears were used for differential leucocytic count, while lymph smears were used for observation of Koch’s blue bodies. Two blood samples from both clinically healthy and diseased cattle were collected from jugular vein, one with anticoagulant for examination of haematological picture and the other without anticoagulant for separation of serum which used for biochemical analysis. Clinical examination revealed enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, fever, congested mucous membranes, corneal opacity and emaciation were found in cases of theileriosis, while fever, paleness of mucous membranes and brown coffee urine were common clinical findings in cases of babesiosis. Haematological findings revealed that cattle suffered from theileriosis showed normocytic hypochromic anemia, while those suffered from babesiosis showed normocytic normochromic anemia. Biochemical findings revealed that cattle infected with theileriosis and babesiosis showed decreased serum levels of albumin and total proteins with increased serum globulins. The serum level of glucose was significantly decreased in cattle suffered from theileriosis and babesiosis. Serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) showed significant increase in both theileriosis and babesiosis, while the Serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly increased only in case of babesiosis. Serum level of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) was significantly increased in both theileriosis and babesiosis. Cattle infected with theileriosis showed significant decrease in serum level of iron only, while those suffered from babesiosis showed significant increase of both iron and copper serum levels. The serum level of Total iron binding capacity was significantly decreased in theileriosis. We can conclude from our study that theileriosis and babesiosis are associated with impairment and alteration of liver function.