Effect of Infestation Level of Eimeria spp. on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemistry (Albumins, Globulins and Total Proteins) in Alpaca

Background: Eimeriosis causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, leading to excessive mucus, epithelial shedding, and bleeding. It affects newborns and offspring aged 2 to 3 weeks, causing 80% of diarrhea cases and 43.3% mortality in offspring between 1 and 2 months. This study evaluated the prevalence and parasitic load of Eimeria and its effect on hematological parameters and blood biochemistry (albumin, globulin and total protein) in alpacas. Methods: Fecal and blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from 42 alpacas aged 1 to 2 months at two time points (T1 and T2, 30 days apart). Fecal samples were analyzed using the modified McMaster method and blood samples were examined using a colorimetric-spectrophotometric technique. A t-test compared time points and Pearson’s correlation tested associations between variables. Result: The mean parasitic load was 8485.71 Oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) at T1 and 2400.00 at T2. Blood analysis results were: Hematocrit (Hto) (%): 31.86 (T1) and 13.47 (T2); Red blood cells (RBC) (x10v/μL): 9.39 and 3.27; White blood cells (WBC) (x10³/μL): 11.47 and 9.38; Neutrophils (Neu) (%): 50.14 and 49.98; Monocytes (Mon): 15.45 and 16.33. Hto, RBC and WBC values were altered, while Total protein (TP) (4.44 and 4.80), Albumin (3.57 and 4.00) and Globulim (0.87 and 0.80) were below normal ranges. A negative correlation was found between RBC and OPG (-0.42) and a positive correlation between parasitic load and neutrophils (0.31). Monocytes and OPG showed a moderate inverse correlation (-0.39 and -0.43). Eimeria spp. negatively affected hematological parameters but had no impact on albumin, globulin and total protein levels.