Peste des petits ruminants virus infection of Black Bengal goats showed altered haematological and serum biochemical profiles

Abstract

In Bangladesh, veterinarians often claim to reduce the mortality of natural peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreaks with the help of supportive fluid and electrolyte therapy. Information on haematological and biochemical parameters of PPR-infected goats, which is often altered because of associated tissue damages, is necessary to formulate the appropriate supportive therapy. This study determined the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Black Bengal goats naturally infected with PPR virus. Blood and serum samples from 13 PPR-affected Black Bengal goats from 13 field outbreaks and 5 healthy goats were collected and analysed by routine haematological and biochemical examination. Haematological analysis of PRR-affected goats showed severe anaemia characterised by significant decrease in the values of haemoglobin, total erythrocyte counts (TECs) and packed cell volume (PCV). On the contrary, PPR-affected goats showed marked leucocytosis with absolute increase in lymphocytes and neutrophils counts compared to the healthy goats. Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in total protein and albumin level and increased creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase that mirrored the gross and histopathological changes in the PPR-affected goats. Significant increase in the values of sodium and chloride ions was found in the sera of PPR-infected goats. Peste des petits ruminants virus altered the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of the infected goats. Antidiarrheal agents with aqua solution together with other drugs to support liver and kidney function could help improve therapy of PPR-infected goats.

Keywords: PPR; biochemical analysis; electrolyte imbalance; goats; haematology.

FIGURE 1

Post-mortem examinations of peste des petits ruminants–infected Black Bengal goats showed severe haemorrhage and congestion of visceral organs. (a) Lungs showed severe congestion with white necrotic foci on the surface. (b) Congested and fragile liver and (c) atrophy of the spleen. (d) Kidneys showed congestion and (e) mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and congested. (f) Congestion and swelling of testis were found in peste des petits ruminants–infected male goat. Representative images of one out of seven dead goats are shown.

FIGURE 2

Histopathological findings of peste des petits ruminants–infected Black Bengal goats showed haemorrhage and mononuclear infiltration. (a) Peste des petits ruminants–infected lungs showed clumps of large mononuclear and multinucleated cells within the alveoli (H&E stain, 250×). (b) Kidney showed haemorrhage in the tubular area (H&E stain; 62.5×). (c) and (d) Kidneys showed severe haemorrhages and congestion with haemosiderosis (H&E stain, 250×). (e) Haemosiderosis with severe congestion in the spleen (H&E stain, 250×). (f) Congestion with stagnant of bile pigments in the liver (H&E stain, 250×).

FIGURE 3

Haematological profile of peste des petits ruminants virus–infected Black Bengal goats showed marked anaemia and leucocytosis. Blood samples were collected from healthy and peste des petits ruminants–affected goats and the amount of (a) peste des petits ruminants virus–specific antibody, (b) haemoglobin, (c) packed cell volume, (d) erythrocyte sedimentation rate, (e) total erythrocyte counts, (f) leucocyte count and (g) differential leucocyte count were quantified. Data indicate mean ± SEM from 5 healthy and 13 peste des petits ruminants virus–infected goats. One-tailed Mann–Whitney test. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

FIGURE 4

Peste des petits ruminants virus–infected Black Bengal goats showed altered serum biochemical profiles. Serum samples were collected from healthy and peste des petits ruminants–affected goats and the level of (a) glucose, (b) total protein, (c) albumin, (d) bilirubin and (e) blood urea nitrogen was quantified. Data indicate mean ± SEM from 5 healthy and 13 peste des petits ruminants virus–infected goats. One-tailed Mann–Whitney test. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

FIGURE 5

Natural peste des petits ruminants virus–infected Black Bengal goats showed elevated serum enzymes. Serum samples were collected from healthy and peste des petits ruminants–affected goats and the amount of (a) alkaline phosphatase, (b) creatine kinase, (c) aspartate transaminase and (d) alanine transaminase was measured. Data indicate mean ± SEM from 5 healthy and 13 peste des petits ruminants virus–infected goats. One-tailed Mann–Whitney test. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

FIGURE 6

Serum electrolytes analysis of natural peste des petits ruminants virus–infected Black Bengal goats showed elevated level of sodium and chloride ions. Serum samples were collected from healthy and PPR-affected goats and the values of (a) sodium, (b) potassium, (c) calcium, (d) phosphorus and (e) chloride were quantified. Data indicate mean ± SEM from 5 healthy and 10–13 peste des petits ruminants virus–infected goats. One-tailed Mann–Whitney test. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.