Evaluation of the resistance of indigenous Iranian cattle to Theileria annulata compared with Holstein cattle by measurement of acute phase proteins

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the resistance of indigenous cattle against Theileria annulata in comparison with that of Holsteins, through assessment of changes in acute phase proteins. Blood samples were collected from 24 indigenous and 26 Holstein dairy cattle, 2–3 years old, which had become naturally infected with T. annulata. Twenty-five healthy cattle, ten indigenous and 15 Holsteins were selected as a control group. The Theileria-infected group were divided into four subgroups according to their parasitemia rates ( 5%). Measurement of red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen were done for all animals using validated methods. Results showed significant differences in RBCs, PCV, Hb and concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen between healthy cattle and those infected with T. annulata with different parasitemia rates in both breeds (P < 0.05). In both breeds, there was significant negative correlation between parasitemia and RBCs, PCV and Hb (P < 0.05). In contrast, with increasing parasitemia rate, a significant increase in MCV, Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen was evident. Iranian indigenous cattle in comparison with Holsteins showed lower parasitemia rate, milder clinical manifestations and significantly lower levels of acute phase proteins including Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen (P < 0.05).