Clinico-Haemato-Biochemical Changes and Therapeutic Efficacy of Diminazene Aceturate and Artesunate against Bovine Babesiosis in Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study trial was to assess therapeutic efficacy of diminazene aceturate and artesunate with respect to clinical, haematological and biochemical changes in the cattle affected by babesiosis. Methods: For the analysis, a total of 16 clinically affected cattle were selected, with eight animals in each group. Eight healthy cattle were also selected under the control group. Clinical symptoms, blood smear microscopy and PCR-based molecular tools were used to confirm babesiosis. For the therapeutic trial, Groups I and II received treatment with diminazene aceturate and artesunate, respectively and the efficacy was estimated on the basis of survival rate, and improvement in the clinico-haemato-biochemical parameters. Result: The major clinical signs recorded were persistent high fever, pale mucous membranes, presence of ticks, decreased ruminal motility and haemoglobinuria. In diseased cattle (n=16) Hb, PCV, and TEC levels were significantly (P less than 0.05) low but with a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in TLC as compared to the control group (n=8). Significantly (P less than 0.05) neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hypoglycaemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminaemia, was recorded in the diseased group. Moreover, significantly (P less than 0.05) increased levels of BUN, creatinine, AST, LDH and iron were recorded in the infected animals. Group I treated with diminazene aceturate was the most effective and cost- efficient treatment for bovine babesiosis compared to Group II treated with Artesunate.