A first report on prevalence of caprine theileriosis and its association with host biomarkers in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Caprine theileriosis is most prevalent and drastic hemoprotozoan disease of goats. The current study was conducted to inspect the prevalence, risk factors and association with host biomarkers of caprine theileriosis. For this purpose, total 600 blood samples were taken, 200 each from goats of three districts distinctive geologically namely Bannu, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In districts Bannu, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, 15.5%, 9% and 18.5% prevalence of caprine theileriosis was recorded respectively. Season, location, feeding pattern, tick infestation, sex, animal keeping, colostrum served amount and housing system were observed as significant factors associated with the occurrence of the disease. Age, breed and herd sizes were observed non-significant (P > 0.05) factors associated with the prevalence of disease. Significant maximum cases of caprine theileriosis were due to Theileria ovis as compared to Theileria lestoquardi. Hemato-biochemical examination revealed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in erythrocyte, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, lymphocytes level and glucose whereas an increase in Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine and urea in the diseased goats. The drastic effects imposed by Theileria lestoquardi on the profile of the affected animals were highly severe as compared to Theileria ovis demonstrating serious damage to liver and kidney.