Studies on some blood parameters of crossbred calves with experimental Theileria annulata infections

Subcutaneous inoculation of 1 ml of ground Theileria annulata tick tissue stabilate (0.75 tick equivalent) into crossbred calves (n = 6, average age 53 days) resulted in the development of acute theileriosis. The percentage parasitaemia was 71.7% +/- 3.3% on day 20 after inoculation. Macroschizonts were observed in lymphocytes and monocytes. Phagocytosed schizonts were observed in neutrophils, along with cytoplasmic vacuolation in monocytes and neutrophils. There was progressive decrease (p < 0.05) in the haemoglobin and packed cell volume, along with a marked reticulocytosis. Serum analysis revealed a decrease (p <0.05) in the concentrations of calcium, cholesterol and triglycerides, while there was an increase (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen as compared to day 0 values. The total serum proteins, albumin and serum immunoglobulin concentrations and the albumin-to-immunoglobulin ratio showed marked decreases (p<0.05). Coagulopathies included thrombocytopenia and an increased prothrombin time, along with a non-significant increase in the bleeding time and activated partial thromboplastin time during the terminal stages of the disease. There was an increase in the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes during the disease. Morphological alterations in the erythrocytes were observed with the developing parasitaemia.