Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Effects of Parasitic Infections on Erythrocyte Indices of Camels in Nigeria

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

Jalailudeen Lawal Rabana 1
Hussein Adam Kumshe 1
Joshua Kamani 2
Grema Hafsat 1
Usman A Turaki 1
Harrison K Dilli 3

1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

2 Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria

3 Ministry of Livestock Production, Yola, Nigeria

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and effect of parasitic infection on erythrocyte indices in trade camels slaughtered in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Two hundred adult one humped camels comprised of 87 (43.5 %) males and 113 (56.5 %) females were examined for helminths and hemoparasites at their slaughter time according to the standard procedures. An overall prevalence of 79 % for single and mixed infections was observed. Examination of faecal samples from camels shows 82 (41 %) were harbouring different nematodes, mostly Strongyle, Strongyloides and Hemonchus species. Buffy coat and thin smear examination of blood samples showed Babesia and Anaplasma species. More females (44.5 %) than males (34.5 %) were positive for various parasitic infections. But the percentage was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Packed cell volume (PCV), mean haemoglobin concentration (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red blood cell counts were significantly (P < 0.01) affected in the infected camels compared to the non-infected ones. Parasite infection in camels leads to macrocytic anaemia.

Keywords

Erythrocyte indices
Parasites
camel
semi-arid
Nigeria

  • Receive Date 26 December 2012

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