Studies on epidemiology, clinical markers and pathological alterations in equines trypanosomosis in semi-arid zone of northern plains of India

ABSTRACT

An epidemiological study was conducted along with clinicodiagnostic markers and pathological alteration in equines naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi in seven district on semi-arid zones of northern plains of India. A total of 515 blood samples of equines (horse-227, mule-249 and donkey-39) suspected for trypanosomosis were collected and screened for T. evansi infection using Ab-ELISA and blood smear examination. Overall seroprevalence of 22.33% (115) was recorded, indicating endemicity of trypanosoma in equines of this region. Maximum prevalence was recorded in district Mathura (24.81%) followed by Bharatpur (23.26%) and the lowest was recorded in Hathrash (16.23%) district. Trypanosomosis was found prevalent throughout the year in this region, and a higher prevalence was observed in monsoon and post-monsoon months followed by winter months and the least prevelance was observed in summer months. Out of 115 seropositive equines, 36 animals possessing clinical infections were again evaluated for alteration in pathological parameters, and the values were compared with six healthy equines. The infected equines showed marked anaemia, significant increased activities of serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lanine aminotransferase and lipid peroxidases as well as significant decreased activities of serum glucose and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase compared to healthy animals, indicating impairment of hepatorenal system and oxidative stress-related cellular injuries in trypanosomosis.

KEYWORDS:

• Trypanosome evansi
• equine
• patho-epidemiology
• North India

Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to the Dean, COVSc and Dean PGS, DUVASU, Mathura, for providing necessary facilities to carry out the study. We are also thankful to Brookes India and Dr S C Yadav, NRC on Equine, Hisar, for providing necessary facilities to carry out the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.