Comparative Assessment of Dogs Experimentally Infected with Single Trypanosoma brucei, Ancylostoma caninum and Conjunct Trypanosoma brucei and Ancylostoma caninum Infections and Treated with Diminazene Aceturate and Mebendazole

Abstract

A comparative serum biochemistry assessment of experimental infection with single and conjunct Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei), and Ancylostoma cannium (A. caninum) was carried out in a total of sixteen mongrel breed of dog. The dogs were randomly assigned into 4 groups with 4 animals in each group as follows: GP I:  Uninfected (control), GP II: Ancylostoma caninum infected, GP III: Trypanosoma brucei infected, GP IV: Conjunct Trypanosoma brucei and A. caninum infection. Post acclimatization Ancylostoma caninum infection was done on GPII and GPIV alone. Two weeks later, Trypanosoma brucei infection was done on GPIII and GPIV. Three weeks post trypanosome infection; GPIII and GPIV were treated with diminazene aceturate. Mebendazole was used only on GPII and GPIV and a repeat treatment given 2 weeks later. The serum biochemistry parameters showed a significant (p< 0.05) increase in Total protein in GPIII and GPIV. A significant (p< 0.05) decrease in Total protein was recorded in GPII. Conversely, there were significant (p< 0.05) decrease in albumin in all the infected groups (GPII, GPIII and GPIV). Significant (p< 0.05) increases in the levels of cholesterol and bilirubin were observed in GPII, GPIII and GPIV. However there was no significant (p > 0.05) alteration in calcium level in all the infected groups compared with control.