Macrocytic Hypochromic Anemia Research Articles

Oxidative stress in blood of camels (Camelus dromedaries) naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Oxidant stress is an imbalance between radical-generating and radical-scavenging activity, resulting in oxidation products and tissue damage. The present study aimed to estimate oxidation and antioxidant status in blood of camels naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Blood samples from T. evansi-infected and healthy (control) female camels were used to determine the free radical nitric oxide (NO) generation in serum, malondialdehyde production in serum (sMDA) and erythrocyte (eMDA) as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, blood methemoglobin formation (MetHb, a biomarker of hemoglobin oxidation), the antioxidants serum ascorbate and albumin levels, erythrocytic glutathione concentration (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. The infected camels were characterized by macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Trypanosomiasis in camels resulted in significant (P<0.001) stimulation of serum NO (78.93%), eMDA (110.04%), sMDA (67.39%) and MetHb (1.5-fold) coupled with significant reduction (P<0.001) of albumin (27.6%), ascorbate (25.38%), GSH (43.36%), SOD (32.47%) and non-significant increase in CAT (7.06%, P=0.322) compared to control values. In infected camels, a significant positive correlation of NO with eMDA (r=0.546, P=0.009) and MetHb (r=0.490, P=0.021) was detected. By contrast, NO was inversely correlated with RBC (r=−0.546, P=0.009), PCV (r=−0.427, P=0.048) and Hb (r=−0.612, P=0.002). On the other hand, eMDA was inversely correlated with RBC (r=−0.596, P=0.003), PCV (r=−0.516, P=0.014) and Hb (r=−0.613, P=0.002). In addition, methemoglobinemia was negatively correlated with RBC (r=−0.560, P=0.007), PCV (r=−0.470, P=0.027) and Hb (r=−0.585, P=0.004). Our results suggest that chronic T. evansi infection in camels is associated with a state of oxidative process.

Hemolysis, myopathy, and cardiac disease associated with hereditary phosphofructokinase deficiency in two Whippets

Two male castrated Whippet littermates were presented at 1 year of age for pallor, tachycardia, systolic heart murmur, dark yellow to orange feces, intermittent lethargy, pigmenturia, and muscle shivering or cramping after exercise. Persistent macrocytic hypochromic anemia with marked reticulocytosis and metarubricytosis was found when CBC results were compared with reference values for Whippets. Increased serum creatine kinase activity and hyperkalemia also were sometimes present over the 4-year period of evaluation. Progressively increasing serum concentrations of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide suggested cardiac disease. Erythrocytes from the whippets were less osmotically fragile but more alkaline fragile than those from control dogs. Erythrocyte phosphofructokinase (PFK) activities and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations were decreased. Restriction enzyme-based DNA test screening and DNA sequencing revealed the same mutation in the muscle-PFK gene of the Whippets as seen in English Springer Spaniel dogs with PFK deficiency. This is the first report of PFK deficiency in Whippet dogs. In addition to causing hemolysis and exertional myopathy, heart disease may be a prominent clinical component of PFK deficiency in this breed and has not been previously recognized in PFK-deficient English Springer Spaniels.

A prospective study of anaemia in HIV infected patients attending heduru clinic at port moresby general hospital between July and September 2008

Aim To establish whether anaemia is a predisposing factor to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods A total of 113 EDTA blood samples were analysed using FBE analyzer (Sysmex XT– 1800j) and examined microscopically. The HIV patient’s antiretroviral treatment (ART) history was noted. Epi Info and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse the data. Results Of 113 blood samples analysed, 67 (59%) were female and 46 (40.7%) male. According to most HIV studies, a haemoglobin (Hb) level of 10 g/dL is considered as the minimal range. Thirty-five (30.97%) appeared anaemic. The study also showed that 17 (48.6%) of the 35 registered to Heduru Clinic received ART regimen of either (a) d4T (30), 3TC, NVP;(b) d4T (30), 3TC, EFV;(c) ZDV, 3TC, EFV;or (d) ZDV, 3TC, NVP. Treatment (d) ZDV, 3TC, NVP, had the highest percentage of 29.4% while (23.5%) patients had treatment (b) d4T (30), 3TC, EFV. Morphologically microcytic hypochromic anaemia (48.6%) was common. Discussion Microcytic hypochromic anaemia (47.05%) was more common than macrocytic hypochromic anaemia (29.11%) and nornochromic normocytic anaemia (23.53%) and is suggestive of chronic blood loss and iron deficiency (late). The ART Zidovudine [(d) ZDV, 3TC, NVP] may have contributed to anaemia and should be regularly monitored and reviewed.

BAND 3CEINGE (Gly796Arg) Mutation Causes Dehydrated Hereditary Stomatocytosis (DHS) with Dyserythropoietic Phenotype

Stomatocytosis is an inherited autosomal dominant hemolytic anemia and includes overhydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (OHS), dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (DHS), hereditary cryohydrocytosis (CHC) and familial pseudohyperkalemia (FP). Here, we report a novel variant of hereditary stomatocytosis due to a de-novo band 3 mutation due to G>A transition at nucleotide 2500 in exon 17 (p. G796R, band3CEINGE) associated with dyserythropoietic phenotype. This 43-years-old Caucasian female (II-2) with unrelated parents was admitted to our hospital for mild anemia evaluation. The patient was in good health until 7 years when she frequently experienced asthenia. Anemia was first recognized at the age of eighth years with presence of jaundice and hyperchromic urine, but she had never received blood transfusions. We observed a mild hypochromic macrocytic anemia with a hemoglobin level of 11.5 g/dL, a mean cell volume (MCV) of 110 fL, and a mean hemoglobin concentration (MCH) of 36.1 pg, the reticulocyte count was 64 × 103/μL. There was a typical hemolytic features: high levels of indirect bilirubin (3.48 mg/dL) and lactate dehydrogenase ( 567 U/l, v.n. 240– 480 U/l ) with negativity at direct and indirect Coomb's test. Spleen was enlarged and ultrasonography detected 15 cm of longitudinal size. She was cholecystectomized at the age of 14 years because of numerous symptomatic small stones. Serum iron, soluble transferrin receptor, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels were all increased, while the transferrin was in the normal range.Other blood tests including osmotic fragility with incubated and fresh erythrocytes, serum electrolytes, B12 and folate levels, erythrocyte enzyme levels, EMA test and Pink test were normal. Peripheral blood smear showed anisopoikilocytosis with rare stomatocytes and no spherocytes. Bone marrow aspirate showed remarkable dyserythropoiesis with increased number of erythroblasts and binucleate erythroblasts, basophilic erythroblasts with alterations, irregular nuclei maturation, intererythroblastic bridges and erythroblasts with basophilic stippling. She received since the age of 14 yrs a diagnosis for congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type I. Patients red cells showedincrease Na+ content and decrease K+ content;reduced Na-K pump activity andincreased Na-H exchange, NKCC cotransport and KCC cotransport activities.We then functionally characterized band 3 CEINGE in Xenopus oocytes, showing that the mutated band 3 is converted from anion exchanger (Cl−, HCO3 −) function to unregulated cation pathway for Na+ and K+. The mutated band 3 was also associated with increased tyrosine phosphorylation pattern of some red cell membrane proteins. During erythropoiesis band 3 protein is the last cytoskeletal protein to appear, thus the dyserythropoietic phenotype may be related to a possible role of the mutated band 3 in perturbation of cytoskeleton assembly in the late stage of erythropoiesis, allowing us to conclude for a new variant of stomatocytosis with dyserythropoietic phenotype.

Profil Darah dan Nilai Hematologi Domba Lokal yang Dipelihara di Hutan Pendidikan Gunung Walat Sukabumi

Blood profil and hematological status of local sheep under the gunung walat education forest area SukabumiABSTRACT. Gunung Walat Education Forest (HPGW) is one of special forest which integrated with farm system (Agrosilvopastural). This forest is heterogeneous which dominated with agathis, damar and pinus trees. To support the farming system is needed basic data haematology and blood profil of sheep that lived in HPGW. This research was aimed to evaluate haematological values covering Red Blood Cell, haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume, MCV, MCH, MCHC and blood nutrient profil of lambs and ewes fed with mixed grass which is grow surrounding HPGW. Evaluation were done on 5 productive ewes and 5 male lambs 5-6 month ages, before and after eating time. The result showed that RBC of the lamb was (7.57 0.40) x 106/mm3 and for ewes was (5.71 0.05) x 106/mm3. Hb of lamb was (7.21 0.27) g/100ml and for ewes was (6.62 0.54) g/100ml, PCV of lamb was (28.10 7.21) % and ewes was (26.80 3.42) %, MCV of lamb was (32.68 1,23) fl and ewes was (50.91 1.53) fl, MCH of lamb was (10.82 0.47) pg and ewes was (12.93 0.29) pg, MCHC of lamb was (27,53 4.70)% and for ewes was (25.54 1.57) %. There were no significant difference on haematological values before and after feeding time except for Packed Cell Volume (P 0.05). The clinical result showed that lambs was suffering normocytic hypochromic anaemia and adults was suffering macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. Glucose level and total blood protein were at normal level while blood triglyseride concentration was lower than normal ewes concentration.

Identification of ticks and detection of blood protozoa in friesian cattle by polmerase chain reacton test and estimation of blood parameters in district Kasur, Pakistan

The study was carried out to detect Theileria annulata, the causative agent of theileriosis, and Babesia bovis, the causative agent for babesiosis, in Friesian cattle by PCR and conventional blood smear examination. One hundred blood samples obtained from diseased Friesian cattle kept on private livestock farms at Pattoki, District Kasur, Pakistan were collected in addition to 20 blood samples obtained from non-diseased animals. The disease manifestations observed clinically included high fever, swelling of sub mandibular and sub scapular lymph nodes, weakness, increased respiration and pulse, anorexia, loss of condition and rough hair coat. Neurologic sign of in coordination was also seen in weak animals. Signs of lacrimation, pale conjunctiva, diarrhoea, dyspnea and frothy nasal discharge were observed in only one animal. Clinically nine animals showed signs of haemoglobinuria. Diagnosis of bovine theileria and babesia species was based on finding many intraerythrocytic piroplasms of both blood protozoa with clinical signs associated with anaemia, lymph node hyperplasia and haemoglobinuria. One hundred samples of ticks were also collected for identification of vector. Results showed that the prevalence of Hyalomma tick was highest (15%) followed by Boophilus (12%), Haemaphysalis (5%) and Rhipicephalus (3%). The blood smear examination showed 21% (21/100) samples positive for blood parasites out of which 66.6% (14/ 21) samples were positive for theileriosis while 42.8% (9/21) were positive for babesiosis. It was also recorded that 66.66% (6/9) samples were positive for B.bigemina while 33.33% (3/9) were positive for B.bovis. The results showed that 60% (60/100) samples were positive for blood parasites by PCR test. Out of these 60% (36/60) were positive for T.annulata while 33.33% (20/60) were positive for babesia. The specificity and sensitivity of PCR test was higher than blood smear examination. The blood parameters in haemoparasites infection were also analyzed and the results showed significant decrease in total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin while MCV, MCH values increased and MCHC was slightly less than normal indicating macrocytic hypochromic anaemia.

Study on the antioxidant status of rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

The antioxidant status of rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi isolated from a camel was studied using established parasitological, haematological and biochemical methods. The results indicated that infections in all rats resulted in a fulminating parasitaemia. Changes in blood parameters in T. evansi-infected rats indicated leukocytosis and a macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. A degree of anisocytosis was also observed. The activities of plasma glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione peroxidase in whole blood of infected rats were significantly higher ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared with control. No statistically significant difference was observed in the activity of superoxide dismutase in infected and control rats. Results obtained indicated that trypanosomosis caused oxidative stress and induced antioxidant enzymes.

Effect of chronic FIV infection, and efficacy of marbofloxacin treatment, on Mycoplasma haemofelis infection

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, and efficacy of marbofloxacin treatment, on Mycoplasma haemofelis infection. Six cats chronically infected with FIV-Glasgow8 (Group X) and six FIV-free cats (Group Y) were infected with M. haemofelis on Day 0 by intravenous blood inoculation. From Day 0 until Day 86 post-infection (pi), blood samples were collected for M. haemofelis and FIV provirus quantitative real-time PCR and haematology. Three of the six cats in each of Groups X and Y were randomly selected to receive marbofloxacin treatment (2 mg/kg PO q24 h) from Day 16 to 43 pi, with the remaining cats being untreated controls with no antibiotic treatment. The M. haemofelis copy numbers and haematological data were compared between Groups X and Y, and between marbofloxacin-treated and control cats using a Mann–Whitney U-test. M. haemofelis infection was associated with development of macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. In some cats, marked variation in M. haemofelis copy number over time (>100,000-fold difference within 48 h in some cats) and/or cycling of copy number was seen. No correlation was found between FIV provirus copy number and M. haemofelis copy number or haematological variables. No significant effect of chronic FIV infection on M. haemofelis copy number kinetics or haematological changes due to M. haemofelis infection was found, other than MCHC ( P = 0.03). Marbofloxacin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in M. haemofelis copy number ( P = 0.002), although consistent clearance of infection was not demonstrated. This study reveals the presence of marked fluctuations in M. haemofelis copy number kinetics in vivo and a significant response to marbofloxacin antibiotic treatment.

ASSESSMENT OF THE HAZARDOUS EFFECT OF FUNGICIDE DITHANE ON CLARIAS lazera (CATFISH) INCLUDING HAEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

The aim of present work was to study the toxicity of (mancozeb )Dithane fungicide on fish Claras lazera (catfish) and consequently to human beings.The fishes were exposed to Dithane in dose of 0.5 ppm /L (equivalent of 1/10 of LD50)for 30 days. Different Haematological, Biochemical, Bacteriological, and Immunological parameters were assessed. The results showed significant increase in Blood level of Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Cortisol, Urea, Creatinine, Glucose, Insulin as well as Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) and Alanine Amino Transferease (ALT)in blood. However there was a decrease in blood level of Iron and IgM, accompanied by decrease in Haemoglobin (HB), Macrocytic hypochromic anemia (R.B.Cs) count, Packed cell volume (PCV) which was observed in fish in 7, 15, 30, days after exposure to Dithane. The Haemogram shows reticulocytosis and increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Dithane produces metabolic stress and cell damage with malfunction of haemopoetic system. Microbiological examination revealed a presence of pathogenic bacteria mainly E. coli, Flavabacterium, and Staphylococcus aureus. It was concluded that in catfish reared on low dietary carbohydrate (CHO) diet there was hyperglycemia due to increase in cortisol hormone. However immunological results revealed decrease in the level of IgM in blood; a loss of scales and petichial haemorrhage in parts of skin was observed. Ascitic and erosion due to complication of bacterial infection, was also accorded.

Hematological Findings and Antibody Responses in Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) Infected with Babesia microti

Hematological findings during the course of infection and the antibody response in Syrian hamsters infected with Babesia microti were examined. A macrocytic hypochromic anemia with an increase of the reticulocyte count was detected as a rise in the parasitized erythrocyte rate. White blood cell counts also remarkedly increased with the increases of both neutrophils and active-shaped monocytes, and thus they particularly play an important role in eliminating the parasite. In Western blotting with the sera from the hamsters infected with B. microti, a 38 kDa protozoan antigen reacted to the early-term sera, and additionally 28, 32, and 34 kDa antigens also reacted to the medium- and latter-term, and convalescent sera. These antigens were immunodominant and the antibodies against these antigens had also important roles for inhibition of this parasite.

High Susceptibility of Djungarian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) to the Infection with Babesia microti Supported by Hemodynamics

As the comparative study was carried out on the susceptibility by the pursuit of parasitemia among the Djungarian, Syrian, and Chinese hamsters as well as BALB/c mice infected with the Syrian hamster-adapted Babesia microti strain, and Djungarian hamsters showed the highest parasitemia among them. Then, the other hematological parameters were pursued in the Djungarian hamsters infected with the hamster-adapted B. microti strain. Remarkable symptoms observed were hemoglobinuria clinically, anemia hematologically, and splenomegaly macroscopically during all over the observation period for 24 weeks post infection (PI). Parasitemia began to rise at 2 weeks and peaked at 4 weeks PI. After that, parasitemia decreased gradually but was maintained with a level of about 10% on average until 24 weeks PI at the end of the experiment. A decrease in the RBC count, Hb, and PCV, and an increase in the reticulocyte and WBC counts due to the development of immature neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were recognized together with a rise of parasitemia. The hamsters had macrocytic hypochromic anemia due to the increase of MCV and the decrease of MCHC in the growth phase of the parasite. It was considered that the Djungarian hamsters will be useful for the infection examination, isolation, maintenance, and passage of B. microti in laboratory.

Rapid Determination of Orotic Acid in Urine by Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Orotic acid (ORA) is an important biochemical marker for uridine monophosphate synthase deficiency, an autosomal recessive disease characterized by macrocytic hypochromic megaloblastic anemia, growth retardation, orotic aciduria, and crystalluria (1). In addition, patients with urea cycle diseases excrete increased amounts of urinary ORA (2). Thus, ORA aciduria is observed in patients with ornithine carbamoylasetransferase deficiency (OCTD), an X-linked disorder, and could reveal heterozygosity after a protein load, and in citrullinemia, argininosuccinic aciduria, and argininemia (2)(3). Currently there are two widely accepted approaches to the determination of urinary ORA, stable-isotope-dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and ion-exchange HPLC methods with ultraviolet detection, each of which has difficulties and limitations (4)(5)(6)(7). Ito et al.(8) recently described a liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method for a large number of urinary metabolites, including ORA. In the present work we describe a more specific, high-throughput, sensitive stable-isotope-dilution LC-ESI-MS/MS method for the determination of urinary ORA. ORA was purchased from Sigma, and [1,3-15N2]orotic acid used as internal standard (IS) was obtained from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories. Acetonitrile and glacial acetic used for HPLC were purchased from Fisher Scientific. Syringe-driven membrane filter units were of LCR type (0.45 μm pore size) obtained from Millipore. Glass autosampler vials (2-mL capacity) and 300-μL vial inserts were purchased from Agilent. Urine samples were from pediatric patients investigated for metabolic diseases. Adult urine samples were from healthy laboratory personnel. All urine samples were stored at −20 °C until analysis. MS/MS analysis was carried out on a Micromass QuattroLC triple quadrupole mass spectrometer interfaced with a Z-spray ESI source and equipped with a Jasco HPLC pump Model PU-980 and a Jasco Model AS-950 autosampler. The ESI source was operated in the negative-ion mode with the source kept at 150 …

Haematological profiles in pure bred cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata in Saudi Arabia

The Abbott Cell Dyn 3500 haematology analyzer was employed to study haematological parameters in 41 adult and young Friesian cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Comparison was made with clinically healthy adult and young Friesian cattle. Changes in blood parameters in T. annulata-infected cattle indicated severe macrocytic hypochromic anaemia, panleukopenia, lymphocytopenia, eosinopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia but no reticulocytosis.

Response of broiler chicks to dietary Rhazya stricta and Nigella sativa

1. Rhazya stricta leaves and Nigella sativa seeds were fed to 7-d-old Hibro broiler chicks at 20 and 100 g/kg of the diet for 7 weeks. Although 20 and 100 g/kg N. sativa seed diets did not adversely affect growth, a decrease in body weight and feed efficiency and hepatonephropathy were observed in the chicks fed on the 100 g/kg R. stricta diet. 2. These changes, associated with macrocytic hypochromic anaemia, were correlated with alterations in serum aspartate transaminase' (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities and concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, calcium and other serum constituents. 3. The effect of 20 g/kg R. stricta diet on chicks was not associated with development of biliary hyperplasia or catarrhal enteritis after 7 weeks of treatment.

BILATERAL LYMPHOSARCOMA OF THE THIRD EYELID IN A DOG

A two years old non spayed female dog of Fila Brasileiro breed was received at the Hospital, with a history of hyperemia and upwards deviation of the left eye and hyperemia on the right eye. On the ophtalmic examination, the right third eyelid was protruding, thickened and hyperemic and the left eye third eyelid displaced forwards (covering the whole cornea), hyperemic and thickened. This eye showed dorsal divert revealing pain to orbit palpation. When nictitating membranes from both eyes were reversed, an increase of volume of its internal surface could be verified. The left eye displayed a mass not observed in the right eye, prolonged itself aborally and ventrally to the bulb of the eye, chemosis and superficial keratitis with edema and pannus. The animal was weak, lethargic but did not show satellite lymphatic involvement. Radiographic exam did not reveal any thoracic or abdominal changes. X-rays from head showed increase in volume and opacity of soft tissues from the left orbit, without changes on the bony parts. Complete blood cell count evidenced hypochromic macrocytic anemia, leucocytosis with lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia. An important finding from blood biochemistry was hypercalcemia (19 mg/dl). Based upon clinical findings, radiological findings and laboratory data, a neoplasia was suspected. Exenteration of left orbit was carried on, together with surgical resection of the right eye third eyelid. Histological examination of this material revealed lymphosarcoma of the right third eyelid and lymphosarcoma of the left eye third eyelid with invasion of sclera, muscular and retro orbital regions. Therapy was then proposed by means of vincristine as base drug with cyclophosphamide, metotrexate and prednisone, but the dog’s owner did not agree to proceed with due to its high cost. Under these conditions the dog was sent home, returning after 30 days with dysphagia and cachexia. Mandibular lymphnodes and tonsils were enlarged. The owner then agree to give the dog 2 mg/kg of prednisone intravenously every other day, which caused a decrease in limphnodes size, disappearance of dysphagia and improvement of the body general state. Sixteen days after the first consultation, the patient returned in extreme weakness and comatose. Then, due to the dog pitiful clinical picture and at the owners request euthanasia was accomplished. Lymphosarcoma of the third eyelid is a rare ocular neoplasia and, in this case, displaying an uncommon characteristics of incidence in such as a young animal with bilateral condition. Surgical treatment was indicated because masses were easily accessible, but the absence of chemical therapy resulted in the patient’s short survival.

Presumptive Babesia ovis infection in a spanish ibex ( Capra pyrenaica)

On December 29 1995, a 13-year old, male Spanish ibex was easily captured by hand, with depression, weakness and severe tick infestation, mainly in the periocular and auricular regions. Blood and serum samples were collected and haematological analysis and serum iron levels were determined. Red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were decreased and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased (macrocytic-hypochromic anemia). Serum iron and transferrin saturation were decreased and total and unbound iron-binding capacity were increased. Piroplasms were observed within parasitized erythrocytes and presumptively identified as Babesia spp. Ticks were identified exclusively as Ripicephalus bursa. The animal was treated with imidocarb but died after 15 days of capture. Histopathological examination revealed congestion of pulmonary capillaries and spleen, glomerulonephritis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and generalized hemosiderosis. An indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed using a Babesia ovis isolate of ovine origin as antigen and the animal was positive with a titre of 1 : 640.

Toxicity of Chrozophora obliqua in rats.

The toxicity to Wistar rats of Saudi Chrozophora obliqua used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diverse ailments was investigated. C. obliqua leaves were fed to rats at 2% or 10% of the standard diet. When compared with controls, body weight gains and feed efficiency were adversely affected by both treatments. Although the rats fed 10% C. obliqua diet had the lowest growth rate, bouts of soft faeces and enterohepatonephropathy no death occurred among the rats. These changes were accompanied by increases in serum GGT and AST activities, in urea and cholesterol concentrations, decreases in total protein and albumin levels, macrocytic hypochromic anaemia and leucopenia.

Hematology of natural bovine trypanosomosis in the Brazilian Pantanal and Bolivian wetlands

We report hematological changes observed in natural cases of bovine trypanosomosis due to Trypanosoma vivax in beef and dairy cattle from Bolivian wetlands and Pantanal, Brazil. The main hematologic changes produced by T. vivax infections were anemia and severe leucopenia. The cattle presented macrocytic hypochromic anemia. The leukocyte changes were characterized by relative lymphocytosis and monocytosis and decrease in the neuthrophil counts. The clinical signs were lachrymation, progressive weakness, marked weight loss, inappetence, diarrhea and abortions during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Prevalence of Nematodiasis in deer

Examination of 270 deer (of both sexes and aged from 3 months to 7 years old) belonging to different Egyptian zoo gardens between January and December 1996 revealed the presence of Trichuris, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Strongyloid and Dectyocoulus eggs in 109 out of 270 deer. The highest rate of infestation occurred in winter (59.385) and on the contrary, summer season showed a low rate of infestation (33.59%). Infestation with internal parasites resulted in reduction in total erythrocytic count, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume, in addition to higher MCV and lower MCHC indicating macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. Moreover, leucocytosis, neutrophilia and eosinophilia, while lymphopenia were observed. Marked reducation in total serum protein, albumin, calcium, sodium, potassium, chlorides, and iron were noted in infested deer, while blood urea concentraton and the activity of serum enzyme alkaline phosphatase appeared to be elevated in infested deer versus those apparently healthy ones. An improved towards the normal level in previously mentioned parameters was observed after treatment with Albendazole and Fenbendazole drugs.

Experimental salmonellosis in guinea-pigs: haematological and biochemical studies.

Some haematological and biochemical parameters were studied in guinea-pigs infected intraperitoneally with Salmonella dublin 493 at 1 x 10(6) viable cells per animal. The infected animals showed a rise in temperature within 24 h, followed by depression and loss of body weight. On the 15th day post infection, haematological studies revealed a significant increase in the total leukocyte count due to both lymphocytosis and neutrophilia, and a decrease in the total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration. There was also a significantly higher mean corpuscular volume and lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, indicating a macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. The infection caused a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase activity and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and globulin concentrations, and a decrease in albumin and triiodothyronine. There was no significant effect on serum total protein or on thyroxine, or in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in the serum.