Mycoplasma haemolamae and intestinal parasite relationships with erythrocyte variables in clinically healthy alpacas and llamas

Abstract

Background Mycoplasma haemolamae (Mhl) and gastrointestinal nematodes can cause anemia in camelids. Control programs aim to suppress parasitism without promoting anthelminthic resistance, but few evidence‐based guidelines define acceptable parasite loads in camelids. Hypothesis/Objectives In clinically healthy nonanemic camelids, compare erythrocyte variables to Mhl real‐time PCR status and to fecal egg count (FEC). Determine the FEC threshold above which erythrocyte variables are consistently below reference interval medians. Animals One hundred fourteen client‐owned adult alpacas and llamas. Methods In a cross‐sectional study, whole blood in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was assessed for packed cell volume (PCV) by centrifugation, erythrocyte count (RBC), and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) using an ADVIA120 analyzer, and Mhl using real‐time PCR. Trichostrongyle eggs per gram (epg) were counted by modified McMaster test on freshly collected feces. Significant differences in erythrocyte variables based on Mhl status and FEC thresholds were assessed by independent t test and one‐way ANOVA, respectively. Results Packed cell volume, RBC, and HGB were not significantly different between Mhl‐positive and Mhl‐negative animals, but were significantly lower in animals with FEC >1000 epg compared to those with <500 epg. All animals with FEC >600 epg had RBC and HGB below the reference interval median. All animals with FEC >750 epg had PCV below the reference interval median. Conclusions and Clinical Importance In healthy nonanemic camelids, positive Mhl PCR is not associated with lower erythrocyte variables and such animals may not warrant treatment. Fecal egg count >600‐750 epg has a negative effect on erythrocyte variables, and may be a guide for deworming protocols.

Relationships between Body Condition Score (BCS), FAMACHA©-Score and Haematological Parameters in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos), and Llamas (Lama glama) Presented at the Veterinary Clinic

“…The FS has also been used as a clinical tool for detecting anaemia in SAC [ 11 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Storey et al investigated the FS in 347 alpacas and 502 llamas on different farms [ 11 ].…”

Presentation, Clinical Pathology Abnormalities, and Identification of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Camels (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) Presenting to Two North American Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. A Retrospective Study: 1980–2020

“…Haemonchus contortus is a parasite of key concern in the Southeastern United States due to suitable environmental conditions, and is known to cause heavy parasitism in llamas and alpacas in the region ( 22 ). A common diagnostic finding in ruminants and camelids in the region with high Haemonchus burdens is anemia ( 4 , 23 – 25 ), and several anemic camels with egg types suggestive of Haemonchus were identified in this investigation. An additional case in this study was described as having type II ostertagiosis based on necropsy findings and a heavy burden of strongyle-type eggs on fecal examination, but speciation of worms was not provided.…”

“…Further information is needed to determine the most common strongyle-type parasite in camels in this region, however prior reports in camelids from the region and hospital suggests a high index of suspicion for Haemonchus spp. ( 23 , 25 ).…”

Anaemia in South American camelids – an overview of clinical and laboratory diagnostics

“…Haemotrophic pathogens can lead to the increased premature destruction of erythrocytes, causing haemolytic anaemia (Messick 2004 ; Paul et al 2020 ). However, in healthy alpacas and llamas, this pathogen is not necessarily associated with changes of the RBC count (Viesselmann et al 2019b ), according to Crosse et al ( 2012 ), clinical signs are likely to occur only as a result of stress or co-morbidities. For other haematotrophic pathogens such as Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp.…”