Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Canine hemoprotozoan diseases viz. ehrlichiosis and babesiosis are mostly associated with critical anemia and thrombocytopenia with pancytopenic changes, leading to multi-organ failure. For faster recovery of patients with complicated hemoprotozoan diseases, whole blood transfusion or bone marrow stimulating agents to produce more red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets might be helpful. Unfortunately, canine specific transfusion procedures are expensive and even not available in many developing countries. Development of alternate therapeutic modality by bone marrow stimulation to augment the production of RBCs and platelets and thus, to treat the critical pancytopenic patients is and urgent necessity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), acts as a precursor of reduced glutathione and increases the production of bone marrow B cells. It also improves viability and self-renewal capacity of stem cells and thus, boosts hematopoietic differentiation by protecting induced pluripotent stem cells. This study envisaged to develop alternate therapeutic approach to combat pancytopenia secondary to canine hemoprotozoan diseases. Bone marrow mediated aplastic pancytopenia was induced experimentally by administration of cyclophosphamide in rats. Bone marrow stimulating property of NAC was compared with desmopressin, another bone marrow stimulator, which revealed better in terms of hematobiochemical and histopathological changes. Results of rat model study were extrapolated in clinical canine hemoprotozoan cases having pancytopenia. Dogs treated with hemoprotozoan disease specific therapy along with NAC rendered favorable changes by haltering the progression of critical anemia and thrombocytopenia. Study revealed that supplementation of NAC along with canine hemoprotozoan specific therapy is beneficial to alleviate pancytopenia.

Abstract A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever and pale mucosa were noticed in physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia and single to four pear-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes (RBCs). Regenerative anemia characterized by a marked reticulocytosis, significant intra-vascular hemolysis, nucleated RBCs, left-shifted neutrophils, thrombocytopenia, azotemia, high serum creatinine and urea concentrations were recorded following hemato-biochemical analysis. Abundant bilirubin crystals and abnormal reddish color after centrifugation were observed in urinalysis. Molecular analysis was performed using specific primers for detection of Babesia canis. Diminazene aceturate, ciprofloxacin, ivermectin and phosphorus-vitamin B12 were prescribed and the clinical signs improved after four days. Two months follow-up showed no recurrence. Such studies would significantly contribute to the development of appropriate preventive strategies and successful treatment. This communication reports a clinical case of canine babesiosis caused by B. canis in a female Shih Tzu dog.

Abstract Various species of Trypanosoma parasites are known to infect several wild and domestic animals worldwide. A 7-year-old Holstein cow from Baneh, Kurdistan province, was examined by a private veterinarian due to anorexia and depression. Physical examination revealed fever, enlarged subscapular lymph node, and pale mucosa. Blood samples were taken for hemato-logical, parasitological, and PCR examination. The large Trypanosoma spp. was microscopically observed in a stained blood smear. Decreased red blood cells (RBCs) count, packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration were observed through complete blood cell count. Nucleated RBCs were also found in this case. Species-specific PCR assay confirmed T. theileri infection. Treatment was performed subcutaneously with diminazene aceturate. The clinical signs were improved after two days. Two-month follow-up showed no recurrence. In conclusion, T. theileri is characterized by anemia and pyrexia in a cow. To our knowledge, the present case report describes the first molecular evidence of T. theileri in Kurdistan, West of Iran.

Abstract Three known feline hemoplasmas are Mycoplsama haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. They are described as cause of feline infectious anemia in domestic and wild felids. Other blood parasites or blood-related pathogens like concurrent retroviral infections may deteriorate the clinical condition and severity of anemia. The aims of this study were molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemoplasmas in domestic cats in Iran for the first time. Blood samples were collected from 185 healthy and diseased domestic cats. Blood smears were prepared and hematological parameters were measured to determine possible anemia. Using 16S rRNA gene universal and species specific polymerase chain reactions with the following sequencing, 47 (25.40%) of cats were hemoplasma positive. Also, 17.02%, 72.50% and 40.40% of total positive samples were M. haemofelis, ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’ and ‘Ca.M. turicensis’ infected, respectively. 10 (21.20%) of hemoplasma positive cats had anemic blood profiles (HCT < 24.00%). All M. haemofelis infected cases were included. Partial 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed a high identity between the hemoplasma species found in this study and domestic cat sequences existing in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 94.00% to 100% sequence identity between sequences of this study and existing sequences in Genbank. All hemoplasma isolates in this study were grouped within a single clade and additionally subdivided into two groups; haemofelis group including M. haemofelis and ‘Ca. M. turicensis’ and haemominutum group including ‘Ca. M. haemominutum’.