Evaluating cytokine levels and selected biochemical parameters at two-time points in crossbred cattle infected with Anaplasma marginale

Background: Bovine Anaplasmosis is a destructive disease leading to significant livestock losses. The disease is common in Africa and is caused by Anaplasma marginale. Plasma biochemical profiles, including cytokine levels, can be used as helpful indicators in managing and treating the infection. Additionally, these measurements could provide insight into the physiological responses of the animals in a diseased state. Objective: This study aimed to identify A. marginale using PCR and analyse biochemical and cytokine levels related to A. marginale in spontaneously infected Holstein-Friesian and Sanga crossbred cattle. Methods: Forty (40) apparently healthy cattle were randomly selected from the Amrahia Dairy farm in the Greater Accra region between February and March 2021. Blood samples were taken from these animals via jugular venipuncture at two-time points (four-week intervals). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted on DNA isolated from blood samples to detect A. marginale infection in cattle. Serum samples collected were used to measure levels of cytokines- Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Interferon-alpha (IFN-α), along with selected biochemical parameters to assess the liver (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total Protein, Total Bilirubin, and Direct Bilirubin) and kidney (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine(CRE) of the infected animals. Results: At time point one, 55% of the cattle tested positive, while 70% tested positive for A. marginale at time point two. At time point one, there were no significant differences between infected and non-infected cattle for blood concentrations of IL-10, IL-4, IFN-α, ALT, AST, DB, TB, ALP, TP, BUN, and CRE (p > 0.05 respectively). However, at time point two, IFN-α (p = 0.004), direct bilirubin (p = 0.02), and creatinine (p = 0.004) differed significantly between the two study groups. Conclusion: The study identified A. marginale by PCR and was diagnostic for Bovine Anaplasmosis. Circulating levels of cytokines and selected biochemical parameters did not alter significantly between infected and non-infected cattle when blood was taken at two-time intervals, suggesting that these cytokines may not directly contribute to the pathogenesis of Bovine Anaplasmosis.