Clinicopathological studies on cryptosporidium infection in newly born calves

Abstract EN

Cryptosporidia infection was recorded in 15 out of 70 diarrheic suckling buffalo calves, which showed signs of enteritis (watery to soft feces with offensive odor).

Ten healthy calves were used as control.

Whole blood and serum samples were obtained from the healthy (group A) and diseased calves, before (group B) and 10 days after treatment (group C) for hematological and biochemical study.

Group B showed an increase in the red blood cell counts (RBCs),hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) in addition to leukopenia.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activities were increased.

The total protein, albumin, globulins, gamma globulin sodium and chloride values were significantly decreased.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr.) and potassium (K) levels were increased.

However, all the aforementioned parameters returned to nearly their normal values after 10 days from treatment (group C).

Moreover, fecal examination was negative for cryptosporidiosis.