Immune and Inflammatory Response of Donkeys (Equus asinus) Tested Positive to Tick-borne Pathogens.

The research focuses on exploring the immune and inflammatory response of Sardinian donkeys exposed to tick-borne diseases. Tick-transmitted ailments are a rising concern due to their mortality rate and potential for cross-species transmission. The study specifically investigates the changes in various blood parameters in donkeys infected with different pathogens.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study involves thirty Sardinian donkeys grouped according to their infection status. Each group has six specimens. They are categorized into five groups: Group 1 has donkeys uninfected by any pathogens, serving as the control group; Group 2, 3, and 4 consist of donkeys infected respectively by Theileria equi, Ehrlichia equi, and Rickettsia Rickettsii. Finally, Group 5 contains donkeys co-infected by all three pathogens.
• Blood samples collected from these donkeys undergo analysis to evaluate blood parameters including red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin content, mean cell hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells, leukocytes populations, and serum protein pattern.

Results and Findings

• The blood evaluations revealed certain noticeable alterations in the infected donkeys as opposed to the control group. They included decreased levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Furthermore, the infected donkeys demonstrated an increase in eosinophils, basophils, serum total proteins, α2-, β-, and γ- globulins.
• This variation in blood cell counts and protein content suggests a different immune and inflammatory response in the infected donkeys. The statistical significance of these findings was supported by a One-way ANOVA test.

Conclusions and Future Directions

• The research provided insights into the immune and inflammatory responses of donkeys against tick-borne diseases caused by E. equi, T. equi, and R. Rickettsii. These findings could guide the development of effective diagnostic, control, and treatment methods for tick-borne diseases.
• The authors noted the need for further research to fill the existing knowledge gap regarding the complex relationship between the pathogen and the host’s immune and inflammatory responses.