Alexandria Journal of Veterinary Sciences, cilt.82, ss.36-43, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
The impact of co-infections with Theileria ovis and Anaplasma ovis on caprine health is
very limited knowledge and is rarely documented in the literature. Türkiye is endemic for
tick-borne diseases (TBDs), posing a risk of co-infections in goats. To evaluate the impact
of single and co-infection with T. ovis and A. ovis on caprine health, four groups of goats
were examined: healthy goats, goats infected with T. ovis, goats infected with A. ovis and
goats co-infected with both species. Sera from blood samples was tested for
oxidant/antioxidant markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD),
catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST)],
cytokines [interleukins (IL)-6, IL-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], DNA damage [8-
hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)] and trace minerals [(copper (Cu), zinc (Zn),
manganese (Mn), selenium (Se)]. MDA, 8-OHdG, TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 levels, CAT and
GST enzyme activities were found to be significantly increased in both Theileria ovis and
Anaplasma ovis single- and co-infections (P<0.05). In goats, single and co-infected with
A. ovis showed a statistically significant increase in SOD enzyme activity compared to
goats infected only with T. ovis (P<0.05). In goats co-infected with A. ovis and T. ovis,
considerable decrease in GPx enzyme activity were observed (P<0.05). Zn and Se levels
in single infected with A. ovis indicated a significant decrease. Also, Cu, Zn, and Se levels
in co-infected animals decreased significantly (P<0.05). Significant increase in lipid
peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity in goats with single and double infections
indicates impaired erythrocyte membrane integrity due to oxidative stress. Moreover,
increased proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in all groups indicate that a high
degree of systemic inflammation is induced during parasitaemia.