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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Parasit Dis / Comparative evaluation of haemato-biochemical and oxidative ...
Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology2025; 49(3); 725-734; doi: 10.1007/s12639-025-01796-1

Comparative evaluation of haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress markers in natural patent and latent infection of Theileria equi in horses.

Abstract: Relative association of haemato-biochemical findings with oxidative stress markers was evaluated between natural patent and latent infection of in horses to divulge the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of illness due to non-availablity in literature. Blood samples were collected from 429 equines of 16 districts of the Punjab and samples positive by conventional microscopy (patent Group I; oll = 13), by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (latent group II;  = 38) and healthy control (group III,  = 64) were compared for haematological-biochemical index and stress parameters. Significant anaemia in both group I and group II, and considerable neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia in group I in comparison to group II and group III was observed. Significant elevation in creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and glucose while reduction in iron was noticed in both group I and group II. More level of lipid peroxides in patent group I followed by latent group II indicated more lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and oxidative stress in declining order when compared with Group III. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GST) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were lowered in Group I. An inverse association of RBC count with lipid peroxidation (PLO) and GSH and a direct relationship with catalase, SOD and FRAP was revealed. Findings indicated that oxidative damage plays an imperative function in pathogenesis of anaemia in horses due to infection and can be utilized as significant marker for latent and patent infection after well thought-out correlation with other haemato-biochemical findings.
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Publication Date: 2025-03-01 PubMed ID: 40901412PubMed Central: PMC12399475DOI: 10.1007/s12639-025-01796-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study compares blood and oxidative stress indicators in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi in either a patent (active) or latent (hidden) form.
  • The research aims to understand how biochemical changes relate to disease severity and progression in infected horses.

Study Objective

  • To evaluate and compare hematological (blood) and biochemical parameters along with oxidative stress markers in horses with:
    • Patent (active) Theileria equi infection (Group I)
    • Latent (subclinical) infection detected via PCR but no visible symptoms (Group II)
    • Healthy controls without infection (Group III)
  • To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and blood changes associated with these infections.

Methodology

  • Sample Collection:
    • Blood samples were obtained from 429 equines across 16 districts of Punjab.
  • Group Categorization:
    • Group I: 13 horses with patent infection confirmed by microscopy.
    • Group II: 38 horses with latent infection confirmed by PCR but not detectable microscopically.
    • Group III: 64 healthy, uninfected horses for control comparison.
  • Tests Conducted:
    • Hematological indices including red and white blood cell counts, anemia assessment.
    • Biochemical markers such as creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, and iron levels.
    • Oxidative stress markers including lipid peroxides (indicator of lipid peroxidation), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GST), catalase, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).

Key Findings

  • Hematological Results:
    • Both patent (Group I) and latent (Group II) infections were associated with significant anemia compared to controls (Group III).
    • Neutrophilia (increased neutrophils) and lymphocytopenia (decreased lymphocytes) were prominent in patent infection only.
  • Biochemical Changes:
    • Elevated creatinine, AST (a liver enzyme), and glucose levels were observed in both infected groups relative to healthy horses.
    • Iron levels were significantly reduced in both infected groups, which may contribute to anemia.
  • Oxidative Stress Markers:
    • Lipid peroxidation levels (lipid peroxides) were highest in patent infection followed by latent infection, indicating increased oxidative damage to erythrocyte membranes.
    • Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GST, and FRAP) were significantly lowered in patent infection, reflecting depleted antioxidant defenses.

Associations and Correlations

  • Inverse correlations were identified between red blood cell (RBC) counts and lipid peroxides and glutathione, meaning as oxidative damage increased, RBC counts decreased, contributing to anemia.
  • Positive correlations existed between RBC counts and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD, and FRAP, suggesting that stronger antioxidant capacity supports healthier RBC levels.

Conclusions

  • Oxidative stress caused by lipid peroxidation plays a critical role in the development of anemia in horses infected with Theileria equi.
  • Differences in oxidative stress and blood parameters between patent and latent infections highlight the variable disease activity and damage.
  • Oxidative stress markers, alongside hematological and biochemical parameters, could serve as valuable diagnostic indicators to distinguish between latent and active infections.
  • This knowledge helps in understanding the pathogenesis (disease mechanism) of Theileria equi infection and could inform better monitoring and treatment approaches.

Significance of the Study

  • The study fills a gap in literature regarding how oxidative stress contributes to clinical and subclinical Theileria equi infections in horses.
  • It underscores the importance of monitoring oxidative damage markers for early detection and management of equine theileriosis.
  • Provides basis for further research on antioxidant therapy as a potential adjunct treatment to mitigate anemia caused by this infection.

Cite This Article

APA
Parashar R, Singla LD, Kaur P, Sharma SK. (2025). Comparative evaluation of haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress markers in natural patent and latent infection of Theileria equi in horses. J Parasit Dis, 49(3), 725-734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-025-01796-1

Publication

Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology
ISSN: 0971-7196
NlmUniqueID: 9713059
Country: India
Language: English
Volume: 49
Issue: 3
Pages: 725-734

Researcher Affiliations

Parashar, Rahul
  • Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India.
Singla, L D
  • Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India.
Kaur, Paramjit
  • Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India.
Sharma, S K
  • Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Competing interestsAuthors of the manuscript declare that there is no financial or non-financial interests that are directly or indirectly related to the work submitted for publication.

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