Equine Anaplasmosis in Nineveh Governorate: Clinical, Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Equids

This study was conducted on 180 blood samples collected randomly from equids (106 horses and 74 donkeys) in Nineveh governorate, Iraq, including, 25 clinically and laboratory healthy equids that served as control equids. Clinical examinations for all equids have been done, and samples of blood were collected from all equids for serodiagnosis, hemato-biochemical parameters examination. Results demonstrated that the total prevalence of Equine anaplasmosis (AE) in equids was 46.1% (83/180), representing 30.1% in horses and 68.9% in donkeys using indirect-ELISA. Infected equids were suffering from fever, paleness, petechial hemorrhages and/or jaundice of the mucous membranes, respiratory disorders, edema of the limbs, nervous signs, and the presence of ticks on the different parts of the body. There was a a significant increase in the body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and capillary refilling time in infected equids. Hemogram revealed a significant decrease in the TRBCs, Hb, PCV, MCH, and MCHC, with a significant increase in MCV, reflecting a macrocytic hypochromic type of anemia. In addition to significant increase in the ESR. Furthermore, a significant decrease in PLT and TWBCs as a result of a significant decrease in neutrophils and lymphocytes in the infected equids compared to the control equids. Biochemical analysis showed that a significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP, TB, creatinine, and BUN with a significant decrease in TP, phosphorus and calcium, in infected equids compared to the control animal. In conclusion, The EA is widespread in equids in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq along with significant clinico-hemato-biochemical parameter alterations.