Selected biochemical parameters in strongyle infections of horses and its relationship with the parasite burden

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine effect of strongyle infections on some serum biochemical parameters and correlation between biochemical parameters and parasite burden in infected horses. A total of 11 horses of different breed and ages were used as material. Serum concentrations of glucose, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase (CK), Sodium (Na), potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), phosphorus (P) were measured and compared with reference values. Worm counts in the gastrointestinal tract and identifications were performed in all horses werenecropsied. Correlation between the number of parasite and biochemical parameters were analyzed. An increase LDH and CK activities and a slightly decrease total cholesterol activities compared with reference values were observed. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between parasite number and K levels (r =0,82, p<0.01). The results obtained from this study suggest that some alterations in biochemical profile may form a basis of monitoring infection.