الكاتب: Multiple References

Babesia species produce hemolysis of erythrocytes leading to the anemia (It has been suggested that intra-erythrocytic parasites such as Babesia and Plasmodium produce their hemolytic effects by increasing lipid peroxidation. The levels of trace elements, minerals and vitamins are in normal range in healthy animals. However, their levels decrease significantly in illness and malnutrition. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine some biochemical and haematological parameters of sheep infected with babesiosis. Thirty animals, which have typical symptoms of babesiosis such as fever, anemia, haemoglobinuria and icterus were chosen for this study. Blood samples of all animals were taken from the jugular vein for biochemical and haematological analysis. Serum Fe, Cu, Co, Vitamins C and E, and glutathione (GSH) were measured in a spectrophotometer. Erythrocyte production in the bone marrow increases to compensate the decreased erythrocyte level. This leads to a decreased serum level of Fe, Cu, and Co, which are necessary for the erythrocyte production. Blood parasites produce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation by destructing the erythrocytes. Lipid peroxidation leads to decreased activity of antioxidant systems.In the present study, it was found that GSH level decreased in infected animals. This result is consistent with the results of other researchers who showed a decrease in GSH level in different parasitic infections. Decrease in GSH level might be due to the use of GSH to protect the erythrocyte damage. It was also found that Fe, Co, Cu, and Vitamins C and E levels decreased in infected animals. After the treatment with babenil, all altered parameters of infected animals were normalized. It was concluded that babesiosis causes anemia, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and decreased levels of Fe, Cu, Co, Vitamins C and E, and GSH in sheep. However, Babenil treatment normalizes all these parameters in infected animals.