Study on acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, and ceruloplasmin) changes and their diagnostic values in bovine tropical theileriosis

A review on acute phase response in parasitic blood diseases of ruminants

Parasitic blood diseases (theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and trypanosomiasis) are common in regions where the distributions of the hosts, parasites, and vectors are convergent. They endanger animal production, and a few are also harmful to public health. The acute phase reaction (APR) is a complex, non-specific reaction that occurs in various events, including surgical trauma, infection, stress, inflammation, and neoplasia. To understand pathogenesis, we must study APR effects and acute phase proteins (APPs) alterations in naturally occurring and experimental infections. The elevation of haptoglobin (Hp), Serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen concentrations was markedly significant in bovine and ovine theileriosis. Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen concentrations in anaplasmosis were dramatically elevated. A significant increase in SAA was observed in bovine babesiosis, while ovine babesiosis showed a significant rise in sialic acid levels. In cases of trypanosomiasis caused by T. vivax, there have been reports of elevated levels of Hp, complement C3, and antitrypsin. Improving our understanding of APR could result in more effective methods for diagnosis, treatment, control, and eradication of diseases. The article provides an overview of APPs alterations and other inflammation-related parameters (some cytokines, adenosine deaminase, and sialic acids) in parasitic blood diseases of ruminants.

Hematological Normality, Serum Biochemistry, and Acute Phase Proteins in Healthy Beef Calves in the Brazilian Savannah

The Brazilian savannah region, characterized by high average temperatures, well-defined rainy and dry seasons, soil with low productive potential, and high pressure for parasitic diseases, is home to the highest percentage of the beef herd, which is the world's largest commercial beef producer. Therefore, breeds that present rusticity combined with productivity are the focus of research in cattle breeding in the region. Considering their geographic particularities and their effects on the animals' blood parameters, the objective was to study the behavior of hematological variables, serum biochemistry, and acute phase proteins in beef calves at weaning age. Jugular blood samples were collected in a single day from 30 weaning calves (about eight months old and 200 kg of body weight) from the following breeds: Nellore, Senepol, Nellore × Aberdeen Angus cross, Nellore × Senepol cross, and Nellore × Aberdeen Angus × Senepol cross. Hematological data were obtained using an automatic cell counter, serum biochemical measurements were obtained using commercial kits, and the electrophoretogram was obtained using the SDS-page technique. In general, the results were consistent with data already published in similar situations regarding health status, age, and level of metabolic activity. However, differences observed between groups can be explained by differences observed in other concurrent variables like temperament. The pure zebu breed was more reactive than pure taurine. While crossbreds showed intermediate values, and parasitic infestation, the pure taurine breed with higher parasite infestation, while the zebu breed had lower values, which produced effects in some laboratory tests, and generated differences between breeds. In conclusion, the reference intervals available for healthy animals can be routinely used without interference from the geographic region for animals produced without nutritional failures as long as changes are recorded in pathological, infectious, metabolic, or nutritional deficiency situations. However, it is suggested that a study covering a larger number of herds may demonstrate a greater geographic effect on the studied variables.

The phenotypic and haemato-biochemical appraisal of tropical theileriosis in newborn calves

Tropical theileriosis is one of the major causes of newborn calves mortality. Observation of clinical manifestations is important while making the presumptive/tentative diagnosis of tropical theileriosis in newborn calves. The phenotypic and haemato-biochemical appraisals of tropical theileriosis could be of great help to make a holistic therapeutic plan for diseased newborn calves. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the haemato-biochemical and phenotypic diagnostic markers of tropical theileriosis in newborn calves. A total of 43 newborn calves naturally infected with Theileria annulata and 16 age-matched healthy calves were enrolled. The percentage distribution of clinical markers was generalized lymph nodes enlargement (100%), pyrexia (97.67%), respiratory distress (95.34%), tick infestation (90.69%), anorexia (88.37%), pica (81.39%), pallor mucous membrane (67.44%), hyperlacrimation (58.13%) and exophthalmia (30.22%). Haemograms including TEC, Hb and HCT were found to be significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lowered in diseased calves. Remarkable alterations in the leukogram panels were not observed. Serum glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations of calves with theileriosis were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lower than healthy ones, whereas triglycerides and total cholesterol levels of diseased calves were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) higher. Significantly (P ≤ 0.001) elevated activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes were observed in diseased calves. An evaluation of clinical phenotypes could be helpful to initiate quick treatment of diseased calves in field conditions and save the lives of sick calves of economically poor farmers. Altered haemato-biochemical panels to be appraised by veterinary clinicians while making a therapeutic plan of tropical theileriosis.

Effects of Injectable Trace Minerals (ITMs) on Th1/Th2 Cytokine Balance of Newborn Calves with Tropical Theileriosis

Injectable trace minerals (ITMs) could provide a potential alternative way of trace mineral delivery for sick animals. Therefore, evaluation of ameliorative potentials of ITMs (copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc) on the circulating Th1/Th2 cytokine misbalance in Theileria annulata-infected calves was aimed. Forty-three T. annulata-infected newborn calves were randomly allocated into four groups: buparvaquone alone-treated group (BUPA), buparvaquone + oxytetracycline (BUPA + OXY)-treated group, buparvaquone + injectable trace minerals (BUPA + ITMs)-treated group, and BUPA + OXY + ITM-treated group. Blood samples were collected from each of the calves before the start of therapy (day 0) and on day 14 post-therapy. Serum contents of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were estimated by bovine specific ELISA kits. On day 14 post-therapy, significant amelioration in the circulating levels of the studied cytokines was not observed in the calves treated with BUPA, while the calves treated with BUPA + OXY revealed significant (P ≤ 0.04) amelioration in the circulating tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. The calves treated with BUPA + ITMs revealed significant (P ≤ 0.041) elevation in the circulating interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and significant (P ≤ 0.011) reduction in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. Moreover, the calves treated with BUPA + OXY + ITMs revealed significant reduction in TNF-α (P ≤ 0.0001) and IL-10 (P ≤ 0.012) contents, and significant elevation in IFN-γ (P ≤ 0.0002) content on day 14 post-therapy. None of the treated calve group revealed significant alteration in the circulating level of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on day 14 post-therapy. In conclusion, administration of ITMs to the therapeutic regimen of newborn calves with tropical theileriosis could be a promising therapeutic strategy. ITMs can be recommended for the amelioration of immunological misbalance due to tropical theileriosis in newborn calves.

Evaluation of some acute phase proteins in cattle naturally infected with Babesia bigemina

Bovine babesiosis due to Babesia bigemina infection induces systemic inflammation, evidenced by increased sialic acid (SA) levels and declined cholinesterase activity. The current study was undertaken to assess further indicators of the systemic inflammation in the naturally infected cattle. To this end, serum levels of some selected acute phase-proteins (APPs) including serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and fibrinogen were measured. Additionally, sensitivity and specificity of the APPs were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve. The correlation among APPs, SA and cholinesterase activity were also assessed. Our previous blood specimens were used to measure APPs. Briefly, the diseased animals were divided into two groups according to the parasitemia: 12 mildly (20 % <) and 8 severely (20 %>) infected animals. Moreover, 10 healthy animals as the control were included. The levels of all APPs were measured to be significantly elevated in a parasitemia burden-dependent fashion as compared to the control. Furthermore, all the APPs showed 100 % specificity, but only SAA and Cp had 100 % sensitivity. A strong and positive correlation was calculated between the APPs and SA; however, cholinesterase activity was inversely correlated with AAPs and SA. In conclusion, inflammatory reactions play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of bovine babesiosis and APPs can be considered as the potential indicators of inflammation.

Molecular detection of Theileria annulata infection in cattle by conventional PCR and quantitative real time PCR in India

Theileria annulata (T. annulata) is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite that affects bovine. It is endemic in many tropical and subtropics areas, including Odisha, India. The objective of this study is to identify T. annulata infection in the peripheral blood of cattle as a biological sample by conventional PCR (cPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The phylogenetic analysis was done using the T. annulata merozoite surface antigen (Tams 1) gene. Out of 552 samples of examined blood smears by microscopy, 454 (82.24%) animals were positive for Theileria species. Out of 454 samples, 96 samples were further examined by both cPCR and qPCR, 52 samples (54.16%) were found positive for T. annulata in both PCR methodologies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. annulata Odisha isolate was closely related to T. annulata Uttarakhand, India isolate (KM061799) and Hyderabad, India isolate (MK034702) with Nucleotide sequence identity 95.36%, 95.25%, respectively. This is the first study to detect T. annulata by qPCR in Odisha and supported that both PCR techniques were equally effective for the detection of Tams 1 gene of T. annulata in cattle's blood.

Evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers in goats naturally infected with Babesia ovis

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Babesia ovis infection on concentrations of some essential acute phase proteins (APPs) including albumin, fibrinogen, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and ceruloplasmin as well as total, protein-binding, and lipid-binding sialic acids (TSA, PBSA, and LBSA) and two crucial cytokines including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Some hematological parameters also were evaluated. Furthermore, any probable correlation among the APPs, SAs, IFN-γ, and TNF-α was calculated. A total of 420 Marghoz and Raeini goats with the ages of 1-3 years old from the north and northwest of Iran were examined, and 17 goats confirmed to be infected with B. ovis by both routine microscopic examination of blood films and molecular assays. As the control, 17 healthy goats were included. The results revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, and pack cell volume as well as a nonsignificant increase in white blood cell count in the diseased animals compared with the control. Additionally, all the APPs, SAs, and cytokines were remarkably higher in the infected animals than the uninfected ones, except for albumin, which was significantly lower. Moreover, a strong and positive correlation was detected among the parameters mentioned above, except for albumin, which was inversely correlated with the other parameters. In conclusion, B. ovis infection is associated with the induction of severe inflammatory reactions in goats, and both SA and APP are significantly involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Evaluation of Brassica carinata meal as a protein supplement for growing beef heifers1,2

Brassica carinata is a new oilseed crop in Florida with the potential of producing high-quality jet biofuel. A high-protein meal (~40% crude protein; CP) is obtained as a byproduct of oil extraction; however, limited research is available on the utilization of this meal as a protein supplement for beef cattle. A generalized randomized block design was used to evaluate the effects of supplementation with B. carinata meal pellets on performance and attainment of puberty in growing beef heifers consuming bermudagrass hay (Cynodon dactylon) ad libitum. Sixty-four Angus crossbred heifers (240 ± 39 kg initial body weight; BW) were stratified and blocked (2 blocks: light and heavy) by initial BW and randomly allocated into 18 pens over 2 consecutive years (10 in year 1 and 8 in year 2). Within block, pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 0 (CTL) or 0.3% of BW/d (as fed) of B. carinata meal pellets (BCM). Blood samples and BW were collected weekly for 70 d, before daily supplementation. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Model included the fixed effects of treatment, day, treatment × day interactions, block, and block × treatment interactions, with the random effect of year. Plasma was analyzed for concentrations of progesterone, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and haptoglobin (Hp). An effect of treatment was observed (P ˂ 0.01) for ADG between CTL (0.14 kg) and BCM (0.42 kg). There was no treatment or block (P > 0.05) effect for concentrations of T3, T4, or Hp; however, there was an effect of day (P < 0.01) for T3, T4, and Cp. An effect of treatment (P ˂ 0.01) was observed for Cp, with CTL having greater concentrations compared with BCM. Time to attainment of puberty did not differ (P = 0.93) between treatments. Feeding B. carinata meal as a protein supplement at 0.3% of BW/d is a viable option for increasing ADG of growing beef heifers, without affecting attainment of puberty, thyroid hormone status, or eliciting an acute phase response.

Acute phase response in bovine coronavirus positive post-weaned calves with diarrhea

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with severe diarrhea in calves, winter dysentery in adult cattle, and respiratory diseases in cattle of all ages. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between white blood cell counts and haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in post-weaned calves with diarrhea caused by BCoV and those that recovered from diarrhea. Blood and fecal samples were collected twice from the same animals; 17 post-weaned calves with diarrhea (first) and 15 post-weaned calves that recovered from diarrhea (second). Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that all 17 fecal samples from post-weaned calves with diarrhea and one out of 15 from diarrhea-recovered calves were positive for BCoV and negative for Cryptosporidium spp., Escherichia coli K99, Salmonella spp., bovine rotavirus, and bovine viral diarrhea virus. No Eimeria oocysts were detected using the flotation method. In comparison with post-weaned calves with diarrhea, in diarrhea-recovered calves, the lymphocyte count was significantly higher (P = 0.018), and the monocyte count was significantly lower (P = 0.001); however, the number of monocytes was still high. Post-weaned calves with diarrhea had a significantly higher Hp concentration (P < 0.001) compared with diarrhea-recovered calves. The results indicated that increased Hp concentration and monocytosis but not SAA may be associated with diarrhea caused by BCoV. The present study suggests that the monitoring of Hp concentration and monocyte count is useful in the diagnosis of post-weaned calves with diarrhea caused by BCoV in this field.

Variation in clinical markers in cattle naturally infected with bovine tropical theileriosis

124 cattle naturally infected with Theileria annulata were inspected for clinical markers. Clinical manifestations of general weakness, reduced appetite, pyrexia reaching 40-42 °C and lachrymal discharge were seen in more than 75 % of the infected animals. Presence of ticks on body, general dullness and depression, recumbency/prostration, oedema of dependent body parts, diarrhea, hypersalivation, pale mucous membranes and yellow colored urine were revealed by more than 50 % of the infected animals. Clinical manifestations of dehydration, abdominal distension/ascites, jaundice and haemoglobinuria were revealed by more than 25 % of the infected animals less than 25 % of the infected animals showed clinical manifestations of exophthalmia, constipation, melena, buccal cavity erosions, congested mucous membranes, nasal discharge and tachypnoea.

Evaluation of serum sialic acid level in buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata

Tropical theileriosis, caused by Theileria annulata, is the most economically important disease of domestic buffaloes and causing major losses in livestock production in Iran. Sialic acids are often involved in interaction between the cells and the infectious agents by regulating the molecular relations as well as mediating a variety of cell-cell adhesion processes in the immune response. This study was conducted to assess the effect of T. annulata infection on sialic acid concentration in blood sera in naturally infected buffaloes. T. annulata-infected (n = 22) and uninfected control (n = 20) adult buffaloes were selected. Theileria infection was revealed by Giemsa-stained peripheral blood and was confirmed by nested-PCR using T. annulata-specific primers. Based on the detected parasitemia, the infected animals were subgrouped into low <1 %, moderate 1-3 %, high 3-5 %, and very high >5 %. Hematological parameters and the concentrations of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), and protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA) were measured and correlated to parasitemia. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and sialic acid concentrations between infected and control groups. As the parasitemia increased accordingly, a significant decrease in RBCs, PCV, Hb and increase in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and serum sialic acids was observed. We concluded that T. annulata infection could elevate the serum sialic acid concentrations. The increased levels of serum sialic acid concentrations during parasitemia presumably stimulate the host immune response and influence the parasite-host cell adhesion.

Salvage of Theileria infected calves with clinical manifestation of exophthalmia

Two crossbred female calves aged between 30 and 35 days were presented with bilateral exophthalmia, inappetence, pyrexia and cachexia since last 15 days. Clinical examination revealed mainly bilateral exophthalmia with dry and pulpy cornea, generalized enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, pallor mucous, petechiae, high rectal temperature and sternal recumbency. The calves were severely infested with Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks and thin layer blood smears revealed presence of piroplasm in the RBCs, while lymph nodes aspirate smear examination revealed presence schizonts in the mononuclear cells. The calves were treated with buparvaquone; meloxicam, nandrolone decanoate and vitamins A, D3, E and H. From day second post-therapy a remarkable improvement in the clinical condition was noticed and substantial reduction in the both protruded eyeballs was noticed by 7 days post-therapy in the both calves. Further at day 47 post-therapy the one calf was free from the parasite on blood smear examination and right eye was retracted in its orbits with full of sight. Moreover the left eye was also retracted in its orbit but there was loss of sight and opacity developed in this eye. While, the other calf also revealed remarkable improvement in the clinical condition and both eye balls retracted completely into the orbit at day 30 post-therapy. But, at day 86 the calf developed microphthalmia and complete loss of sight in both eyes. It can be concluded that adjunction of antioxidants and hematopoietic agents may salvage the calves suffering from fatal theileriosis.

A study on the status of inflammatory systems in camels naturally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a unique intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. This parasite infects a variety of cells in a wide range of animal species such as dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). In order to evaluate the pattern of possible changes in the blood level of some inflammatory mediators and antioxidant enzymes in camels infected with T. gondii, blood samples were taken from a total of 493 dromedary camels and serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators, acute phase proteins and antioxidant enzymes were measured. According to serological data, no seropositivity was found for anti-T. gondii IgM in serum samples; however, 49 camels (9.93 %) showed positive titrations for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. The analyses of data in seropositive animals showed significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum level of IL-1β and adenosine deaminase activity; however, IFN-γ and TNF-α demonstrated no significant changes in serum samples of the infected camels. In addition, while major acute phase proteins (haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA)) were markedly elevated in infected camels, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPX) was remarkably decreased in the blood samples of infected animals. Thus, during the chronic infection in camels, T. gondii can promote significant rises in concentrations of some cytokines (such as IL-1β), acute phase proteins and adenosine deaminase.

Vector identification and clinical, hematological, biochemical, and parasitological characteristics of camel (Camelus dromedarius) theileriosis in Egypt

The objectives of the present study were to identify a possible tick vector and to determine the prevalence of camel theileriosis in Egypt using blood smears stained with Giemsa's stain and PCR assay. Hemogram and serum biochemical constituents were also investigated. A total of 243 camels, aged 3-5 years, were examined. The results revealed that 75 (30.86 %) camels were infected with Theileria spp. of Giemsa-stained blood smears. Hyalomma dromedarii was identified as the carrier tick of Theileria spp. Multinucleated sporoblast and free sporozoite were observed in the salivary gland smears from collecting ticks. PCR result revealed that Theileria annulata was the most abundant in camels (60 %) followed by Theileria spp. (10 %). Macrocytic hypochromic anemia was recorded in the infected camels with T. annulata. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinophilia, and lymphopenia were also observed in the infected group. In the serum of infected camels, total proteins, albumin, β-globulin, and A/G ratio were significantly decreased (P < 0.05); however, total globulins and α- and γ-globulins were markedly increased (P < 0.05). The activity of aspartate aminotransferase and the levels of glucose, creatinine, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were markedly increased (P < 0.05) in the infected group. In contrast, triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations were significant decreased (P < 0.001) in the infected group. In conclusion, a high prevalence of camel theileriosis was recorded in apparently healthy camels. H. dromedarii commonly infested these camels and were found infected with the transmissible forms of Theileria, indicating a role in transmission. Camels infected with T. annulata induced alterations in the cellular and biochemical constituents.

Effects of feeding increasing proportions of corn grain on concentration of lipopolysaccharide in the rumen fluid and the subsequent alterations in immune responses in goats

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding increasing proportions of corn grain on concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the rumen fluid and the subsequent alterations in immune responses as reflected by plasma concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) in goats. Nine goats were assigned to three diets (0%, 25%, and 50% corn grain) in a 3 ×3 Latin square experimental design. The results showed that as the proportion of dietary corn increased, the ruminal pH decreased (p< 0.001), and the concentrations of propionate (p<0.001), butyrate (p<0.001), lactic acid (p = 0.013) and total volatile fatty acid (p = 0.031) elevated and the ruminal LPS level increased (p<0.001). As the proportion of dietary corn increased, the concentration of SAA increased (p = 0.013). LPS was detectable in the blood of individual goats fed 25% and 50% corn. A real-time PCR analysis showed that the copy number of phylum Bacteroidetes (p<0.001) was reduced (4.61×10⁹copies/mL to 1.48×10⁹copies/mL) by the increasing dietary corn, and a correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the number of Bacteroidetes and rumen LPS levels. Collectively, these results indicated that feeding goats high proportions (50%) of corn grain decreased the ruminal pH, increased LPS in the rumen fluid and tended to stimulate an inflammatory response.

Control and therapeutic management of bovine tropical theileriosis in crossbred cattle

Bovine tropical theileriosis (BTT) is a disease of worldwide economic importance in cattle, caused by Theileria annulata, a protozoan parasite, and transmitted cyclically by ticks. The disease is one of the serious constraints to dairy industry in endemic areas like India, leading to fatal infections in exotic cattle and significant mortality in cross-bred cattle and zebu cattle. The present report demonstrates the clinical manifestation, haematological alteration and therapeutic management of theileriosis cases in a cross-bred cattle dairy farm at district Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. Clinical examination of affected animals revealed high rectal temperature (104-106 °F), generalized enlargement of superficial lymph nodes, pallor mucous, apathy and watery blood. The affected animals were severely infested with Hyalomma anatolicum ticks. The blood smears examination after staining with Leishman stain revealed the presence of typical Theileria organisms. Buparvaquone along with symptomatic and supportive therapy could cure all the animals.

Serum acute phase proteins in control and Theileria annulata infected water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

This study was carried out to ascertain the changes in acute phase proteins (APPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Theileria annulata infected water buffalo. Thirty infected water buffaloes and 20 parasitologically free were used. In the present study there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and fibrinogen levels (2.18 ± 0.29 g/l, 156.58 ± 3.48 mg/l, 31.23 ± 1.25mg/dl, 370.23 ± 33.21 mg/l and 16.17 ± 1.18 g/l, respectively) in T. annulata infected water buffaloes when compared to healthy ones (0.13 ± 0.01 g/l, 23.9 ± 0.56 mg/l, 21.23 ± 1.21 mg/dl, 240.53 ± 22.45 mg/l and 4.2 ± 0.1 6g/l, respectively). Moreover, there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β and IFN-γ (2.55 ± 0.12 ng/ml, 98.32 ± 4.21 pg/ml, 152.32 ± 5.62 pg/ml, 26.44 ± 1.43 ng/ml, 240.33 ± 20.45 pg/ml and 123.65 ± 5.67 pg/ml, respectively) in T. annulata infected water buffaloes when compared to healthy ones (0.42 ± 0.04 ng/ml, 55.32 ± 3.21 pg/ml, 88.23 ± 3.21 pg/ml, 7.45 ± 0.67 ng/ml, 98.33 ± 3.45 pg/ml and 34.76 ± 1.56 pg/ml, respectively). There was also significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the Hb content, PCV%, RBCs and WBCs counts in the diseased water buffaloes compared to the control ones. Neutropenia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were also recorded. The biochemical changes revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) elevation in the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDL-c, VLDL-c, BHBA and NEFA, with significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in the levels of total proteins, albumin, globulins, cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, G6PD, calcium and phosphorus in T. annulata infected water buffaloes when compared to healthy ones. It could be concluded that APPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines could be used as a valuable biomarkers in T. annulata infected water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Serum acute phase proteins in cows with SARA (Subacute Ruminal Acidosis) suspect

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations of Acute Phase Proteins (APPs) and other blood constituents during the onset of the sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) pathological status. A total of 108 cows from 12 dairy herds were randomly selected and divided into three Groups of 36 animals each. All animals were subjected to a rumenocentesis. Group A was composed by subjects with a rumen pH>5.8, Group B was composed by subjects with a rumen pH ≤5.5≤5.8 and Group C was composed by subjects with a rumen pH<5.5. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture and Haptoglobin (Hp), Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Total Proteins, Albumin and White Blood Cells (WBC) were determined. One-way ANOVA showed a statistical significance on Rumen pH, Hp, SAA. SARA seems not stimulate the APPs production from liver.

Acute phase proteins in animals

Acute phase proteins (APP) were first identified in the early 1900s as early reactants to infectious disease. They are now understood to be an integral part of the acute phase response (APR) which is the cornerstone of innate immunity. APP have been shown to be valuable biomarkers as increases can occur with inflammation, infection, neoplasia, stress, and trauma. All animals--from fish to mammals--have demonstrable APP, but the type of major APP differs by species. While the primary application of these proteins in a clinical setting is prognostication, studies in animals have demonstrated relevance to diagnosis and detection and monitoring for subclinical disease. APP have been well documented in laboratory, companion, and large animals. With the advent of standardized and automated assays, these biomarkers are available for use in all fields of veterinary medicine as well as basic and clinical research.

Identifying relationships among acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, ceruloplasmin) and clinical findings in dairy calf diarrhea

The acute phase response is a nonspecific inflammatory reaction of the host that occurs shortly after any tissue injury. The response includes changes in the concentration of plasma proteins called acute phase proteins (APPs). Calf diarrhea is an important disease that occurs in association with the interaction of various infectious agents and calf susceptibility. The economic losses is associated with death loss and treatment costs, reduction of live weight gain, and reduction of productive life span, which may be considerable. The aim of the present study was to identify relationships among APPs in calves with diarrhea in the different clinical features. Holstein calves (50) within 1 day to 4 months old with signs of diarrhea and healthy calves (40) with similar age and sex were selected. Standard clinical examinations and also dehydration degree were carried out on each calf and were recorded. Calves with clinical signs of diarrhea were divided in different groups based on the severity of the clinical findings, fever and degree of dehydration. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein from all calves into vacutainers containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for separating plasma and without EDTA for serum biochemical analysis. APP [haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen (Fib), and ceruloplasmin (Cp)] concentrations were measured using validated standard methods. The results indicated a significant increases in APPs in diarrheic calves which was most obvious in Hp and SAA (P < 0.001). Calves with severe clinical signs of diarrhea had a significant increases in their Hp and SAA (P < 0.001) compared to calves with moderate or without systemic clinical signs. Diarrheic calves with fever compared to diarrheic calves without fever had a significant increases in their Hp and SAA (P < 0.01). Also, diarrheic calves with severe dehydration compared to diarrheic calves with mild and moderate dehydration had significant increases in Hp and SAA (P < 0.05), and these parameters (Hp, SAA, Fib, and Cp) among calves with mild and moderate dehydration had no significant changes. Our results indicated that monitoring the APP responses in diarrheic calves with different clinical signs could be useful as prognostic tools and facilitate treatment decisions.

Application of highly sensitive saturation labeling to the analysis of differential protein expression in infected ticks from limited samples

Background

Ticks are vectors of pathogens that affect human and animal health worldwide. Proteomics and genomics studies of infected ticks are required to understand tick-pathogen interactions and identify potential vaccine antigens to control pathogen transmission. One of the limitations for proteomics research in ticks is the amount of protein that can be obtained from these organisms. In the work reported here, individual naturally-infected and uninfected Rhipicephalus spp. ticks were processed using a method that permits simultaneous extraction of DNA, RNA and proteins. This approach allowed using DNA to determine pathogen infection, protein for proteomics studies and RNA to characterize mRNA levels for some of the differentially expressed proteins. Differential protein expression in response to natural infection with different pathogens was characterized by two-dimensional (2-D) differential in gel electrophoresis (DIGE) saturation labeling in combination with mass spectrometry analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the application of DIGE saturation labeling to study tick proteins.

Results

Questing and feeding Rhipicephalus spp. adult ticks were collected in 27 farms located in different Sicilian regions. From 300 collected ticks, only 16 were found to be infected: R. sanguineus with Rickettsia conorii and Ehrlichia canis; R. bursa with Theileria annulata; and R. turanicus with Anaplasma ovis. The proteomic analysis conducted from a limited amount of proteins allowed the identification of host, pathogen and tick proteins differentially expressed as a consequence of infection.

Conclusion

These results showed that DIGE saturation labeling is a powerful technology for proteomics studies in small number of ticks and provided new information about the effect of pathogen infection in ticks.

Divergent antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and acute phase protein (APP) responses to Trypanosoma congolense infection in trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible cattle

African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) is endemic across Sub-Saharan African and is a major constraint to livestock production. The ability of certain cattle breeds to remain productive despite infection is known as trypanotolerance; however, the underlying immune mechanisms contributing to this trait remain poorly understood. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and acute phase proteins (APPs) are evolutionarily conserved effector molecules of the innate immune system that have important roles in the resolution of infection and activation of the adaptive immune response. Expression levels of AMP genes (TAP, LAP, BNBD4, DEFB1, DEFB5 and LEAP2) and APP genes (HP, CP, AGP, LBP, SAA3 and CRP) were investigated using real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from two breeds of African cattle (trypanotolerant N'Dama and trypanosusceptible Boran), experimentally infected with Trypanosoma congolense. Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA) were also measured in plasma using quantitative protein assays. Results demonstrated that tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP) gene expression increased by 32-fold in Boran, compared to only 3-fold in N'Dama, by 14 days post-infection (dpi) and rising to 136-fold at 29 dpi in Boran, compared to 47-fold in N'Dama (P<0.05). Protein expression levels of SAA are elevated in N'Dama, rising to 163 microg/ml at 14 dpi compared with 72 microg/ml in Boran. The SAA expression profile mirrors the wave of parasitaemia detected in N'Dama. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the promoter regions of the SAA3 and SAA4 genes, which are predicted to affect transcription factor binding and thereby contributing to the differential patterns of expression detected between the breeds. Whereas elevated TAP expression is a conserved component of the innate immune response to infection in both breeds, higher SAA expression levels may contribute toward trypanotolerance in N'Dama.