Biochemical changes in cats infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Feline Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Trypanosoma evansi is a protozoan parasite with a wide host range, including domestic animals.
• Feline trypanosomiasis is less common but can cause significant health issues.
• Understanding the biochemical impact of T. evansi in cats is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biochemical alterations in cats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi.
• To assess the impact of T. evansi infection on hepatic, renal, and muscular parameters in feline blood serum.

Main Methods:

• Seven cats were experimentally infected with T. evansi (10(8) trypomastigotes/animal); six served as controls.
• Daily blood smears were analyzed for 56 days to monitor parasitemia.
• Serum biochemical parameters (hepatic, renal, muscular enzymes, total proteins, albumin, globulins) were measured at specific intervals (0, 7, 21, 35, 49 days post-inoculation).

Main Results:

• T. evansi was detected in blood 24-48 hours post-inoculation, with irregular parasitemia peaks.
• Infected cats showed increased aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities, indicating muscle damage.
• Significant increases in total proteins and globulins, and decreases in albumin and albumin/globulin ratio were observed in the infected group (P<0.05).
• No significant alterations in alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatinine, or urea were noted.

Conclusions:

• Experimental Trypanosoma evansi infection induces notable biochemical changes in cats.
• Elevated muscle enzymes and altered serum protein profiles are key indicators of T. evansi infection in felines.
• Further research is warranted to explore the full spectrum of T. evansi pathogenicity in cats.