Hematological and biochemical reference values of Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus) in Bangladesh.

Md Kaisar Rahman,Mohammad Mahmudu Hassan,Mohammad Alamgir Hossain,Md Mustafizur Rahaman,Mizanur Rahman,Shariful Islam,Sazeda Akter,Ariful Islam,Jinnat Ferdous

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2019.1514-1518

Abstract

Background and Aim:Determining reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters of Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus) is important for wildlife research to protect human health in surrounding communities. This study aimed to establish the reference values for selected hematology and serum clinical chemistry analyses that may contribute to research on shrew in future.Materials and Methods:Blood samples (n=51) were collected from shrews between July and December 2015, Bangladesh, to estimate the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, calcium, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), urea, glucose, total protein (TP), creatinine, and alanine transaminase (ALT).Results:Although the values did not differ significantly among sexes, age was found to be a significant factor. Hb, PCV, TEC, glucose, and P were higher in males; eosinophil, Na, Cl, TP, and ALT were higher among females. Adults had significantly greater urea and glucose (p<0.05) while juveniles had insignificantly higher values for TLC, PCV, neutrophil, P, and TP.Conclusion:This study provides the first reference values for this species in Bangladesh and can be used to guide wildlife research studies.

Highlights

Hematology and serum chemistry analyses are important indicators in health assessment of domestic animals and wildlife
Animals were categorized into adult and juvenile based on their appearances described in PREDICT One Health Consortium [6]
The study revealed that mean urea level is significantly higher in adults (51.43 mmol/L) than in juveniles; this is expected as urea is a primary metabolic product of protein metabolism, which increases with age [13]

Summary

Introduction

Hematology and serum chemistry analyses are important indicators in health assessment of domestic animals and wildlife. They are useful for identifying health disorders, drug toxicity or adverse effects, disease staging, and monitoring of response to treatment. Laboratory animals, especially shrew, rat, and mice, like their wild counterparts, are commonly used for biomedical research. Determining reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters of Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus) is important for wildlife research to protect human health in surrounding communities. This study aimed to establish the reference values for selected hematology and serum clinical chemistry analyses that may contribute to research on shrew in future

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Discussion

Conclusion