Plasma Levels of Zinc, Copper, Copper/Zinc Ratio, and Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase in Equine Piroplasmosis

Abstract

We have determined the plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, and carbonic anhydrase activity in horses infected with Babesia equi. The study was conducted in 14 horses with the disease and 10 healthy animals that served as controls. The infection was confirmed by the clinical manifestations of the disease and by Giemsa staining of thin blood smears showing the parasites inside red blood cells. The horses with piroplasmosis had lower plasma levels of zinc, elevated copper, and increased activity of carbonic anhydrase. Consequently, the copper/zinc ratio was also higher than in the healthy controls.

Estimation of some biochemical parameters and trace elements in sheep infested with Taenia hydatigena cysts in Sulaymaniyah province/Iraq

“…The raising level of Cu is in connection with the level of ceruloplasmin such as observed in acute phase reactant (31). Also, similar results reported by Dedes et al (6) who was showed that equine piroplasmosis result in decreased plasma Zn level and increased Cu level. Furthermore, our recorded corroborate the opinion of (32) who reported that Hepatozoon canis caused an increased in serum Cu level and a decreased in Zn level.…”

“…Notwithstanding constituting an animal wellness issue, the parasitosis is a wellspring of financial misfortune for the meat business (1,5). There are several of studies demonstrating the relationship of trace elements with parasitic diseases (6,7). Some infectious diseases or chronic inflammation leads alteration in the level of trace elements but the reason is unknown yet and it needs more study (8,9).…”

Evaluation of trace elements in equine piroplasmosis

“…Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of all wild and domestic equids caused by the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi (formerly Babesia equi), which may be observed separately or together (2,13,15). Since it has harmful effects on the health and thus the performance of equids, EP is considered as a serious threat.…”

“…EP is known to be manifested in three stages: acute, latent, and subclinical. Horses infected with Theileria equi have more severe clinical signs than those with Babesia caballi (2). The disease can be diagnosed by indirect immunefluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as Giemsa-stained blood smears (2,7).…”

“…There is increasing evidence showing that trace elements may be critical for maintaining the animal's immune system (8). In addition, recent studies suggest that altered levels of trace elements might be associated with the anti-parasitic immune response (2).…”