Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes in laboratory rats naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites

Gastrointestinal parasites can impact the health and research value of laboratory animals. Laboratory rats were examined to investigate physiological changes following natural infections with intestinal parasites. Flotation technique and necropsy were used to identify gastrointestinal parasites. Additionally, hematological, biochemical, and liver histology analyses were performed to assess the effects of the infections. Out of 209 male Wistar rats examined, 105 (50.2%; 95% CI = 24.8–57) were infected with at least one parasite. The parasites identified included; Eimeria species (27.3%; 95% CI = 19.7–36.9), Hymenolepis diminuta (12.4%; 95% CI = 7.5–15.4), and Syphacia muris (10.5%; 95% CI = 8.6–14.3). The parasite load analysis revealed a mean fecal oocyst count of 2005 ± 98 oocysts per gram for Eimeria Species, 1196 ± 61 eggs per gram for Syphacia muris, and 1064 ± 85 eggs per gram for Hymenolepis diminuta. The infected rats exhibited lower hemoglobin levels (7.97–8.54 g/dL vs. 13.28 g/dL in controls) and hematocrit values (32.4–34.1% vs. 45.2% in controls), but increased white blood cell counts (9.85–10.42 × 103/µL vs. 6.28 × 103/µL in controls). Biochemical analysis revealed reduced total protein (5.18–5.42 g/dL vs. 6.87 g/dL), lower albumin levels (2.51–2.74 g/dL vs. 4.12 g/dL), and elevated liver enzyme activities, including ALT (68.4–72.1 U/L vs. 45.3 U/L) and AST (88.5–92.7 U/L vs. 62.4 U/L). Eimeria infections caused the most profound alterations, significantly affecting hematological and biochemical parameters (p > 0.005). Liver histopathological showed a degree of tissue inflammation and degeneration in Eimeria-infected rats. The results of this study highlight the potential impact of gastrointestinal parasites on laboratory rats and research outcomes. It is essential to adhere to strict sanitary protocols when handling laboratory rats to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.