Clinico-Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Sheep (Ovis aries) Naturally Infected with Paratuberculosis in Jaipur, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.5.15Keywords:
Chronic infection, Disease diagnostics, Hypoalbuminemia, Johne’s disease, Nutrient malabsorptionAbstract
Paratuberculosis (PTB) is an overlooked disease, recently gaining widespread attention owing to its associated enormous economic impacts. It affects the global livestock industries, including sheep, demanding adequate attention towards Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). In the present study, based on the PTB associated clinical signs, 250 blood samples were collected. For the disease diagnosis, single intradermal (SID) test, ELISA and PCR were performed. Further, positive blood samples were compared against the control group for haemato-biochemical analysis. Our findings revealed a marked reduction in haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and packed cell volume (p<0.05-0.01), with increased platelet count (p<0.01), indicating the presence of anaemia likely due to chronic infection and impaired nutrient absorption. Total leukocyte count was significantly increased (p < 0.05), reflecting an ongoing inflammatory response. Differential leukocyte count showed a significant increase in lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils, suggestive of sustained immune stimulation, while neutrophils and basophils remained unchanged. The biochemical profile revealed no significant differences in most enzymatic and renal parameters, suggesting no liver or kidney impairment. Contrastingly, a significant decline in total protein and albumin concentrations was observed (p = 0.01), suggestive of chronic intestinal lesions, malabsorption of nutrients and prolonged disease stress caused by paratuberculosis. These findings highlight the chronic inflammatory nature of paratuberculosis in sheep that requires timely surveillance and prophylactic measures.
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