Relationship between antioxidants and nematode parasitic infestation of dromedary camels (camelus dromedaries)‎ in Egypt

Abstract EN

The goal of the present study was to determine the type and burden of parasitic infestation in camels imported from Sudan to investigate the effect of enteric parasitism on the oxidative status of affected camels manifested by the changes of the levels of some chain breaking antioxidants.

In the present study, a total of 29 camels (5-9 years) from a herd of imported camels were subjected to clinical examination in Shalateen area : Fecal samples were collected from all examined camels for evaluation of their parasitic status.

Blood serum samples were collected from all animals and were used for evaluation of serum levels of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (a- tocopherol).

The results of the study showed that out of the examined 29 camels, 20 camels (69 %) were found infested with nematode parasites, some of which showed variable non-specific clinical manifestations.

The study revealed the presence of three types of nematodes ; Strongyloid, Trichuris and Trichostrongylus species from 55 %, 25 % and 20 %" from infested camels, respectively.

The results also revealed the presence of significant reduction in the serum level of ascorbic acid in all parasitic infested camels as compared with healthy ones.

On the other hand, none of the parasitic infested camels showed insignificant change in the serum level of vitamin E.

In conclusion, parasitic infestation of camels may interfere with the oxidative status and increase the oxidative stress of their bodies with the subsequent adverse effect on camel health and ability to endure harsh environment.