Evaluating Electrocardiographic and Cardiac Troponin-I Alterations as Prognostic Indicator in Calf Theileriosis

Total seventy one (71) cattle calves were screened for theileriosis on basis of classical clinical symptoms. Twelve (12) calves were found positive via PCR analysis and underwent for electrocardiographic and bovine specific cardiac biomarker analysis (cTnI). Electrocardiographic findings revealed presence of sinus tachycardia in eleven (11) calves (91.66 percent), atrial premature complex in two (2) calves (16.67 percent), left atrial hypertrophy in six (6) calves (50 percent), right atrial hypertrophy in six (6) calves (50 percent) and first degree AV block in four (4) calves (33.33 percent) naturally infected with Theileria annulata. Average value of cardiac Troponin-I in healthy control calves, theileria infected calves before and after treatment were 0.144±0.119, 1.271±0.342 and 0.24±0.104 respectively with showed significant increase in cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI) values in theileriosis affected calves and its restoration after treatment. Change in electrocardiographic findings and increased cardiac Troponin-I value attributes towards involvement of heart in Theileria annulata infection and can be used as diagnostic as well as prognostic indicator of calf theileriosis.