Evaluation of Oxidative Stress, Thyroid Hormones, Trace Elements and Some Biochemical Markers in Goats Naturally Infected with Theileria ovis

Theileriosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoon species in the Theileria genus of the Theileriidae family. The biochemical changes induced by infection are considered to be an important understanding of the pathophysiology of caprine theileriosis. In this study, it was aimed to determine oxidative stress, thyroid hormones, trace elements, and biochemical parameters in theileriosis infection.

A sample of 14 goat was used for this purpose, of which 7 were healthy and 7 were infected with Theileria ovis. Theileria infection was diagnosed from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sera from blood samples was tested for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), oxidative stress index (OSI), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe).

TOC, OSI, AST, ALT and GGT values were higher in the patient group than in the healthy group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there were decreases in TAC, T3, T4, total protein, albumin, creatinine, Cu, Zn, Se, and Co values (P < 0.05). However, there was not found to be a statistical difference between the healthy and patient groups in terms of triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, urea, BUN, Mn, and Fe values (P > 0.05).

It can be stated that oxidative stress is a complication of caprine theileriosis and it may be accompanied with hypothyroidism and deficits in trace minerals.