Plasma levels of zinc, copper, copper/zinc ratio, and activity of carbonic anhydrase in equine piroplasmosis

Dede S., Değer Y., Deger S., Tanritanir P.

Biological Trace Element Research, vol.125, no.1, pp.41-45, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 125 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12011-008-8136-5
  • Journal Name: Biological Trace Element Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.41-45
  • Keywords: Babesia equi, piroplasmosis, carbonic anhydrase, copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, horses, TRACE-ELEMENTS, IRON, SERUM, DEFICIENCY, SELENIUM, CHILDREN
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We have determined the plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, and carbonic anhydrase activity in horses infected with Babesia equi. The study was conducted in 14 horses with the disease and 10 healthy animals that served as controls. The infection was confirmed by the clinical manifestations of the disease and by Giemsa staining of thin blood smears showing the parasites inside red blood cells. The horses with piroplasmosis had lower plasma levels of zinc, elevated copper, and increased activity of carbonic anhydrase. Consequently, the copper/zinc ratio was also higher than in the healthy controls. © 2008 Humana Press Inc.