ABSTRACT
Ovine anaplasmosis and theileriosis are important tick-borne diseases of sheep and goats which are dis-tributed in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. This study was performed to assess hematological status in sheep naturally infected with Anaplasma and Theileria spp. to clarify the pathogenic aspects of various species involved in ovine anaplasmosis and theileriosis in Ahvaz region. 109 sheep were sampled, and blood parasite infections were diagnosed by microscopic examination and PCR. The blood samples were also subjected to hematologic assessment. PCR analysis revealed A. ovis infection in 86.2% of sheep, while mixed infections with A. marginale were also detected in 53.2% of them. However, Anaplasma inclusion bodies were only observed in 32.1% of the tested animals. T. ovis were found in 88% of the inspected sheep by PCR, and 67.8% of them were detected microscopically, as well. Hematologic assessment showed that mean RBC, PCV, Hb, and MCHC were significantly lower, whereas MCV and RDW were higher in the animals with mixed infections of'Anaplasma with parasitemia and Theileria, compared to the uninfected sheep and groups with single infection or without parasitemia. In brief, it seems that Anaplasma can be activated and induce its pathogenesis in the presence of other infective agents in the carrier or asympthomatic animals. It can also be concluded that mixed infections of Anaplasma with parasitemia and Theileria may induce a regenerative anemia which is most likely attributable to a combined effect of the two
ABSTRACT
Ovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne rickettsial disease, widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. In the present study, a PCR-RFLP method based on major surface protein 4 [MSP4] gene, was utilized for the detection of Anaplasma infection in 119 sheep blood samples collected from different parts of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. PCR identified Anaplasma infections in 87.4% [104/119] of the samples in contrast to the routine blood smear examination, which revealed inclusion bodies in only 33.6% [40/119] of samples. RFLP assessment revealed that all PCR positive samples were A. ovis, while for the first time in Iran, a mixed infection with A. marginale was seen in 50% [52/104] of Anaplasma infected samples. These results suggest higher sensitivity of PCR method over the conventional microscopic technique for diagnosis of anaplasmosis, particularly in carrier animals. It also revealed that ovine anaplasmosis caused by A. ovis and A. marginale is present and highly prevalent in Ahvaz and appears to be the first report from this region
ABSTRACT
Clonidine, as a premedicant in anesthesia, has a special role in decreasing anesthetic agents' dose and improving sedation. Because of its effects on body hemodynamics and electrolytes and the importance of these effects duuring anesthesia, we decided to investigate these side effects in this study. This is a double blind randomized clinical trial. Samples were 104 ASA Class I and II, 20-40 years old patients, undergoing elective surgery and were divided equally into two groups [case and control]. 90 minutes before induction of anesthesia, 5 micro g/kg Clonidine wa given to the case and placebo to the control group orally. Blood samples were taken before and 4 hours after induction of anesthesia. Also 24 hours urine was collected and measured for volume and sodium and potassium concentrations. Data analysis was done using independent T test. There wasn't any significant difference between two groups in the mean concentration of blood sodium and potassium before and after taking the drug. But the mean sodium and potassium concentration in urine was significantly more in the case group [P=0.022] and P=0.003 respectively]. The volume of 24 hourse urine was also more in the case group [P=0.008]. Although Clonidine induces diuresis and increases sodium and potassium excretion, blood concentration of these electrolytes dosen't change significantly