The Role of Hematologic Markers, Procalcitonin and Neopterin in Inflammatory Response in Cattle With <i>Theileria annulata</i>

The disease named tropical theileriosis is caused by the protozoan pathogen Theileria annulata (T. annulata) transmitted through Hyalomma species ticks. The current study has been designed to determine the haematological, inflammatory and oxidative stress status in cattle naturally infected with T. annulata. The study consisted of two groups: a control group (10 cattle) and a theileriosis group (10 cattle). Compared to the control group, the animals in the theileriosis group exhibited a significant decrease in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin count, haematocrit levels and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, while a notable increase in mean corpuscular volume was observed (p < 0.001; p < 0.01; p < 0.01; p < 0.05; p < 0.05, respectively). However, no significant differences were found between the groups for the other haematological indices (p > 0.05). In terms of oxidative stress markers, the theileriosis group exhibited higher malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.001) and significantly lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001) levels compared to the control group. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of catalase (CAT) levels. Compared to the control group, haptoglobin (Hp) (p < 0.001) and procalcitonin (PCT) (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the theileriosis group, while no significant difference was observed in neopterin levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, significant differences were identified in haematological indices, acute phase response, inflammatory marker levels, and oxidative stress marker levels in theileriosis. Additionally, Hp and PCT levels may be crucial in determining the inflammatory status.