Characterization of phylogenetic evolution of the Theileria lestoquardi and effect of this parasite on biomarkers of the infected goat

This study investigated the phylogeny and biomarkers of goats infected with T. lestoquardi from Babylon Province, Iraq. One hundred and ten goats aged 1 month to 5 years were examined clinically, microscopically and with molecular analysis. Infection with T. lestoquardi was confirmed by an 18S rRNA gene-based PCR. Then, a phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene sequence was performed for selected three sequences. T. lestoquardi isolates of the current study had high genetic similarity with phylogenetic relationship to isolates obtained from Iraq, India, Iran, and Pakistan justified higher prevalence reports of this parasite from theses regions. This research aimed to compare hematological and biochemical parameters between 25 infected and 25 healthy (control) goats. Several statistically significant differences were detected between the control group and the infected groups of animals in their hematological and biochemical parameters. The control group had significantly higher TLC, TEC, Hb, HCT, MCV and MCHC than the infected groups. Biochemically, total protein, albumin and calcium were significantly lower in locally infected goats compared to control; whereas GOT, GPT, urea, and total serum bilirubin were significantly higher in locally infected goats compared to control. The altered blood and serum biomarkers as found in this study lend support to the harmful effects of the parasite on the city goats, which requires corresponding management and control measures to prevent the use of goats as a reservoir for the disease and to improve the economy of farmers significantly.