Seroprevalence of and associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels () in Pakistan.

Background And Aim: is an intracellular protozoan that infects humans and animals. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of and the associated alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry of one-humped camels () 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 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 was 50.2% higher in male camels than in female camels (16.5%) (p<0.001). Furthermore, the prevalence of 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 -infected camels.

Conclusion: The seropositivity of is directly associated with the age and sex of camels, which may be considered as potential risk factors. Furthermore, infection directly impacts the hemato-biochemistry of infected camels.