Haematological and biochemical alterations in cadmium inhalation on experimental pulmonary candidiasis in rabbits

Haematological and biochemical parameter were studied in rabbits exposed to cadmium oxide (CdO) in silica and with concurrent Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection. Suitable controls were maintained. Anaemia characterized by low haemoglobulin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were consistent observations in CdO exposed animals though this was more severe in animals infected with C. albicans only. Lymphocytosis was also a feature in these animals. Hyperproteinaemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in CdO exposed and CdO with C. albicans infected animals, whereas the animals infected with C. albicans only exhibited hypoproteinaemia and albuminemia. Serum urea and ALT were also elevated with maximum elevation in Candida infected animals. Creatinine and AST levels were uniformly elevated in the treated groups. After 90 days of CdO exposure highest levels of Cd was found in kidney followed by liver, lung and skeletal muscle.