Hemoprotozoal Infections in Cattle in the Barishal Division of Coastal Region of Bangladesh: Epidemiology, Hematology, and Tick Vector Insights
Hemoprotozoal Infections in Cattle in the Barishal Division of Coastal Region of Bangladesh: Epidemiology, Hematology, and Tick Vector Insights
Md. Roies Uddin, Shib Shankar Saha*, Khondoker Jahengir Alam, Md. Shah Alam and Shampa Rani
ABSTRACT
Tick borne hemoprotozoal diseases such as babesiosis, theileriosis and anaplasmosis cause significant economic losses in livestock production. Accurate identification of both vector and pathogen residing within the vector is essential for controlling these diseases. In this study, 217 blood samples and 470 ticks were collected from cattle in selected areas of Barishal, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi and Bhola districts in the coastal region of Bangladesh. Hemoprotozoa were identified using Giemsa staining. For Giemsa-stained positive cases, total RBC count, PCV, Hb concentration, and urinalysis were performed using traditional method. The overall prevalence of tick-borne diseases was 14.74%, with cases of babesiosis, theileriosis and anaplasmosis accounting for 6.45%, 5.06% and 3.23% respectively. The prevalence of blood protozoa was analyzed concerning season, age, sex, breed, and extent of tick infestation. Babesiosis was most prevalent during the rainy season, theileriosis during summer season, and anaplasmosis during winter season. The study revealed that female and crossbred cattle were more susceptible to hemoprotozoan diseases compared to their male and indigenous counterparts. Babesiosis and theileriosis were significantly more common in older animals, whereas anaplasmosis showed no such age-related pattern. Cattle infested with ticks had a significantly higher prevalence of hemoprotozoan diseases (51.85%, 14/27) compared to cattle without tick infestation (9.47%, 18/190). Hematological findings showed that cattle affected by babesiosis, theileriosis, and anaplasmosis had significantly reduced red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin levels, and PCV percentages compared to healthy cattle. Additionally, brown-colored urine was observed in cattle infected with babesiosis, which was not seen in cases of theileriosis or anaplasmosis. The infected cattle were predominantly infested with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) and Haemaphysalis ticks. The hematology and urinalysis data provide insights into treatment options for hemoprotozoal diseases, while the findings on the epidemiology and vector detection highlight the need for effective control strategies to reduce the spread of these diseases in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
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