Serum Protein Electrophoretic Profile of Goats Infected with Haemonchus contortus

Internal parasites represent an important cause of loss to goat production. Although, numerous gastrointestinal nematodes are present, Haemonchus contortus is one of the greatest concern in goats from tropical and sub-tropical countries. The main clinical effects are anemia, diarrhea, dehydration, edema, hydrothorax, hydroperitoneum and reduced growth rates. The present research aimed to determine the changes in the serum proteins of goats infected with Haemonchus contortus. Blood samples were collected from 15 goats infected with H. contortus. All the infected goats presented with submandibular edema and weakness and infection was confirmed by fecal analysis. Blood samples were also collected from 20 non-infected goats that served as controls. Sera were used for determination anon of total protein by colorimetric assay and protein fractions were separated by electrophoresis. The results were compared using an unpaired two-tailed t-test at the 5% level. The serum levels (g dL(-1)) of Haemonchus infected and control goats were, respectively: total proteins 5.22 +/- 1.15 and 7.07 +/- 1.10, albumin 2.06 +/- 1.04 and 4.80 +/- 0.99, alpha-globulins 0.54 +/- 0.23 and 0.39 +/- 0.11, beta-1 globulins 0.53 +/- 0.22 and 0.48 +/- 0.10, beta-2 globulins 0.28 +/- 0.18 and 0.26 +/- 0.10, gamma-1 globulins 0.91 +/- 0.37 and 0.92 +/- 0.43 and gamma-2 globulins 0.57 +/- 0.25 and 0.23 +/- 0.10. There were statistically significant differences for total protein, albumin, alpha-globulins and gamma-2 globulins. Infection with H. contortus in goats promotes intense hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia increased alpha and gamma-2 globulins and a decreased Albumin/Globulin (A/G) ratio.