Clinical, haematological and biochemical alterations associated with an outbreak of theileriosis in dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) in Saudi Arabia

The aim of the study was to investigate and describe the clinical, parasitological haematological and biochemical findings induced by natural theileriosis in Camelus dromedarius. Sixty-seven out of 173 dromedary camels suffering clinically from fever, anorexia, swelling of the superficial lymph nodes, a rapid loss of condition, lacrimation, abortion and/or infertility were included in the study. Parasitological examinations of blood and faecal samples were performed for all camels using Giemsa-stained blood smears and standard flotation sedimentation techniques, respectively. The clinically affected camels were diagnosed with theileriosis (n=67) with a 38.73% overall morbidity and a 0% case fatality rate. Camels that suffered from theileriosis were subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis and matched with clinically healthy camels as controls (n=23). The haematological analysis revealed a highly significant reduction (P less than 0.001) in the total RBC count, HGB concentration, HCT and MCV in the affected camels. In addition, significant increases (P less than 0.01) in platelets and PCT were observed. The biochemical analysis revealed a highly significant reduction (P less than 0.001) in the iron level. Significant increases (P less than 0.01) in GGT, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and LDH blood levels were detected in affected camels when compared with the controls. In conclusion, theileriosis greatly affected the hematobiochemical parameters of dromedary camels, including the liver, kidney and muscle functions. Our results can serve as the basis for subsequent studies in dromedaries under natural and experimental conditions.