Infection with Strongyloides papillosus in sheep: Effect of parasitic infection and treatment with albendazole on basic haematological parameters

Blagoje Dimitrijevic,Mirjana Joksimovic-Todorovic,Mila Savic,Vesna Davidovic,Slavoljub Jovic,Zolt Beckei,Dusica Ostojic-Andric

doi:10.2298/bah1604369d

Blagoje Dimitrijevic, Mirjana Joksimovic-Todorovic + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.2298/bah1604369d

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the basic haematological parameters in conditions of natural infection of sheep with Strongyloides papillosus, as well as after the administration of antihelminthic albendazole (ABZ). Based on the intensity of infection with S. papillosus the sheep were divided into three groups: mild, moderate and high, and after that the sheep received a single dose of ABZ of 5mg/kg per body weight, per orally. Sampling of faeces and blood for parasitological and haematological assaying respectively, was performed on the 0 and the 21st day after the treatment with ABZ. The presence of parasitic infection with S. papillosus leads to a decrease of erythrocyte count, while the lowest values were established in the group with the highest intensity of parasitic infection (p < 0.001). After treatment with ABZ the decrease of erythrocyte count was more prominent, which was, based on comparison with control groups C1 and C2, unequivocally established to be the consequence of treatment with ABZ. Detected values of haematocrit and erythrocyte indices indicated the presence of parasitic infection: the lowest values were established in the group with the highest intensity of parasitic infection. After treatment with ABZ haematocrit levels in control group C2 were statistically significantly lower compared to the control group C1 (p < 0.001). In the presence of parasitic infection, the neutrophil and eosinophil counts increased almost linearly up to the value of 44.24?2.50% and 13.29?0.61% respectively, in the group of sheep with the highest intensity of parasitic infection (p < 0.001; compared to control group C1). After treatment with ABZ the decrease of the number of these white blood cells is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Bearing in mind our previous research and the connection of disbalanced redox equilibrium after the treatment with ABZ with changes, it is necessary to include antioxidative substances in the anti-parasitic treatment protocols.

Highlights

Parasitic form of Strongyloides papillosus is represented by parthenogenic females present in the sheep small intestines (Kassai, 1999)
The presence of parasitic infection with S. papillosus leads to a decrease of erythrocyte count, while the lowest values were established in the group with the highest intensity of parasitic infection (p 0.001)
Analysis of the results of coprological examination before and after dehelminthisation shows that the administered antihelminthic (ABZ) was 100% efficient (Table 1). This dehelminthisation result is interesting considering the data that can be found in scientific literature regarding the increasing number of cases of parasite resistance to ABZ (Rufener et al, 2009). This effect of ABZ in our study can be explained by the fact that this drug was used for the first time on treated animals, which greatly eliminated the possible presence of resistant forms of S. papillosus in the treated sheep population

Summary

Introduction

Parasitic form of Strongyloides papillosus is represented by parthenogenic females present in the sheep small intestines (Kassai, 1999). Pathogenic effect of the parasite on the host is a result of the presence of migrating larvae and/or adult forms in small intestine, which damage the host’s tissues mechanically and by their secretory/excretory products. The presence of S. papillosus and its developmental forms leads to the disturbance of the animal’s health, not infrequently inducing a sudden death syndrome in young ruminants (lambs and calves) due to heart failure. Disturbed gastrointestinal tract motility, which occurs during the infection with S. papillosus, is responsible for the occurrence of clinical symptoms (anorexia, weight loss and anaemia) and sudden death in infected animals (Kobayashi et al, 2009). The same authors state that the exact mechanism that leads to the animal’s death in case of infection with S. papillosus is still unknown

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