Detection of Theileria spp.in blood samples and estimation of haematological and biochemical changes in sheep in Al-Diwaniya province

Abstract

    The present study was carried out to detection the prevalence of Theileria spp. in sheep in Al-Diwaniya province and assess the hematological and biochemical changes occurred in sheep naturally infected with Theileria spp. Blood samples were collected from (132) sheep from five regions in Al-Diwaniya province. Result revealed that the overall prevalence was (26.51%).Ratios of prevalence were significant differences among different regions, the highest prevalence was (42.85%) in Al-Diwaniya while, the lowest (9.09%) in Sumar.

    The clinical signs were recorded in Theileria -infected sheep were enlargement of prescapular lymph nodes, loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes, and congestion of mucous membranes, coughing and diarrhea. In addition, present of ticks on the various parts of infected sheep.  Statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the body temperature of diseased sheep compared with uninfected sheep.  Haematological study revealed that statistically significant decreases(p<0.05) in red blood cell counts, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume with non-significant increase(p<0.05) in white blood cell counts and recorded significant increase(p<0.05) in the MCV and MCH values, while the MCHC value was non significant differences in the infected sheep when compared with uninfected sheep.

    The biochemical study revealed that statistically significant decrease(p<0.05) were observed in serum total protein, albumin and non significant increase(p<0.05) were recorded in globulin level, alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and creatinine,  with  significantly increase(p<0.05) in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), cholesterol  and  urea in the  infected sheep when compared with uninfected sheep.