Haemato-biochemical alterations associated with babesiosis in cattle

Bovine babesiosis is an important tick-borne disease caused by blood protozoa of the genus Babesia. It poses a substantial economic burden on dairy cattle due to production losses, increased costs for parasite control, impaired fertility, and weight loss. A study was carried out in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, from October 2018 to April 2019 to assess the presence of Babesia organisms in cattle and the subsequent effects on haematobiochemical parameters. Out of 105 blood samples examined by microscopy, 16.19% were positive for Babesia spp. The haematological analysis showed a highly significant decrease in total red blood cells (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), and mean haemoglobin concentration (Hb), whereas a significant increase in total leukocyte (WBC) count, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes of cattle infected with Babesia when compared to the non-infected ones. The biochemical analysis of infected animals revealed a significant decrease in total protein and a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values in comparison to the noninfected cattle. Hence, this study indicates significant alterations in haematological and biochemical parameters in animals due to babesiosis with a subsequent adverse effect on their health and productivity.