Microscopic Investigation of Bovine Haemoparasites in Wasit Province, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Haemoparasites are group of livestock diseases that quit endemic and great important because it causes severe economic losses. Aims: Microscopic investigation of haemoparasites in cattle with estimation relationship between positivity and the findings of clinical signs and risk factors. Materials and methods: Totally, 118 cattle were selected and subjected for draining of jugular venous blood and preparation of blood smears during December (2021) to February (2022). The slides of blood smears were stained by Giemsa, and examined using the light microscopy. Results: The total prevalence rate of haemoparasites was 19.49%; comprising 11.02% Anaplasma, 6.78% Babesia and 1.69% Theileria infections. According to type of infection, there were 70.59% single and 29.41% mixed infections. In single infections, there was a significant increase in prevalence of Anaplasma; while in mixed infection, higher elevation was observed in cattle infected with Anaplasma and Babesia infection. Clinical examination of study cattle reported a significant elevation in values of body temperature, pulse and respiratory rates of infected cattle with Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria. However, significant higher body temperature, pulse and respiratory rates, enlargement of lymph nodes and paleness of mucous membranes was observed in Theileria cases when compared to Anaplasma and Babesia infections. Regarding values of the risk factors, significant variation in prevalence of haemoparasitic infections was seen among different age groups, sexes and regions. Conclusions: This appears as one of the rare Iraqi studies which performed to estimate the prevalence of bovine haemoparasites. Therefore, furthermore annual studies are necessary to detect the prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle livestock of other regions and ruminants (buffaloes, camels, sheep and goats). Also, the prevalence obtained in our study may have been higher if a more sensitive diagnostic assay such as molecular technique was used. Molecular detection of hemoparasites using PCR is more sensitive and specific than examination of blood smears, particularly in cases of low parasitaemia.