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Serum biochemical changes in calves with Johne's disease
Australian Veterinary Journal
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Johne's disease in calves causes significant changes in enzyme activity, including increased caeruloplasmin oxidase and decreased alpha-mannosidase. These biochemical alterations correlate with serum copper and alkaline phosphatase levels, mirroring metabolic shifts seen in acute infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Johne's disease is a chronic infectious enteritis in ruminants.
- Clinical signs of Johne's disease involve gastrointestinal disturbances and malabsorption.
- Biochemical markers can aid in understanding disease progression and metabolic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biochemical changes in calves with experimentally induced Johne's disease.
- To correlate changes in specific enzyme activities with disease severity.
- To compare observed biochemical patterns with those in other acute infectious conditions.
Main Methods:
- Experimental induction of Johne's disease in calves.
- Measurement of serum caeruloplasmin oxidase activity.
- Measurement of serum alpha-mannosidase activity.
- Analysis of serum copper and alkaline phosphatase levels.
Main Results:
- Clinically affected calves showed elevated caeruloplasmin oxidase activity.
- A marked depression of alpha-mannosidase activity was observed during peak clinical signs.
- Serum copper and alkaline phosphatase levels correlated with these enzyme changes.
Conclusions:
- Caeruloplasmin oxidase and alpha-mannosidase activities are sensitive indicators of Johne's disease in calves.
- The observed biochemical changes reflect metabolic disturbances associated with the infection.
- These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of Johne's disease and its similarities to other acute infectious states.