Evaluation of serum biochemical profile in Turkoman horses and donkeys infected with Theileria equi

This study was performed to evaluate some of the serum biochemical variables in Turkoman horses and donkeys infected with Theileria equi. Equine theileriosis is considered as a serious problem because of harmful effects on the health and performance of equids. Despite the importance of this disease, there are few studies in related to clinical pathologic changes in equine theileriosis especially in Turkoman horses and donkeys. In this study, the oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, enzymes, electrolytes, minerals and some metabolites were evaluated in Turkoman breed horses (n=30) and donkeys (n=30) infected with T. equi in comparison with healthy groups. In infected horses, the serum concentrations of bilirubin total, total protein, globulin, triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein and malondialdehyde and serum activity of creatinine kinase were found significantly higher and serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, copper, total antioxidant capacity and albumin: globulin ratio were found lower when compared to the non-infected horses (p<0.05). In infected donkeys, serum concentration of albumin and albumin: globulin ratio were found significantly lower and serum concentration of globulin, urea and bilirubin total have been found significantly higher than noninfected donkeys (P<0.05). In conclusion, some serum biochemical variables in infected horses have considerable changes and can provide valuable information about pathophysiological aspects and also are good indicators for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment evaluation. Despite equal parasitemia in both groups, infection with this hemoparasite in horses led to more serum biochemical changes in comparison with donkeys.