Abstract
Background and Aim:Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan that infects humans and animals. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Mianwali district, Pakistan.Materials and Methods:A total of 350 blood samples were obtained from male and female camels of different ages (≤3 years old, 4-6 years old, and ≥7 years old). To validate T. gondii antibodies, the collected samples were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using purified recombinant micronemal protein 3 as an antibody catching antigen.Results:The prevalence of T. gondii was 50.2% higher in male camels than in female camels (16.5%) (p<0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence of T. gondii in camels was directly proportional to age (p<0.001). It was 63.33% (57/90) in camels of ≥7 years of age, 32.54% in 4-6 years old age group, and 23.08% in ≤3 years old age group. The hematological analysis of infected camels revealed a significant increase in the values of glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, lymphocyte percentage, monocyte percentage (MONO%), corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and procalcitonin. Furthermore, substantially higher levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the macro-mineral potassium were found in the serum of T. gondii-infected camels.Conclusion:The seropositivity of T. gondii is directly associated with the age and sex of camels, which may be considered as potential risk factors. Furthermore, T. gondii infection directly impacts the hemato-biochemistry of infected camels.
Highlights
The one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) is found throughout Africa, South Asia, Australia, and the Middle East [1,2]
The seropositivity of T. gondii is directly associated with the age and sex of camels, which may be considered as potential risk factors
T. gondii infection directly impacts the hemato-biochemistry of infected camels
Summary
The one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) is found throughout Africa, South Asia, Australia, and the Middle East [1,2]. The global camel population is estimated to be approximately 35 million [3] They are an important source of meat and milk in many African. The dromedary camels account for 95% of the world’s camel population and produce 2,852,213 tons of milk and 630,210 tons of meat per year [4,5,6]. They are one of the less well-studied animals in Pakistan. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of onehumped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Mianwali district, Pakistan
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