Evaluation of the hematological and serum protein profiles of blood parasite coinfection in naturally infected dogs

Abstract

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are prevalent worldwide, including Thailand. Vectors can transmit more than one pathogen, and coinfections between blood parasites and/or filariae have been reported. Pathogenesis may affect the health status of infected dogs. Hematological, blood chemistry, and serum protein profile abnormalities can be used to screen for underlining causes of CVBDs. The aim of this study is to analyze the hematological and serum protein profiles as well as CRP in CVBD coinfection cases. In this study, 22 blood parasite coinfection cases are examined and classified into two groups: blood parasite coinfection (group 1: n = 16) and blood parasite and filaria coinfection (group 2: n = 6), both of which reveal anemia and thrombocytopenia abnormalities. The white blood cell and neutrophil count in group 2 showed slight increases. The serum protein profiles and CRP levels in both groups indicate hypoalbuminemia, increased β2 and γ globulin fractions, and increased CRP concentrations. The results of this study could be used by veterinarians to develop guidelines for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of coinfection in CVBDs.