Blood picture and hepatic changes in rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Iraqi strain

Abstract

Seven adult male rabbits (infected group) aged 8-10 months, infected with 105 of T.evansi, which isolated from Iraqi camels .The parasites inoculated into the lateral ear vein. The infection induced clinical symptoms of disease presented as acute and chronic phases depending upon the duration of infection. Thick and thin blood smears were made daily to the end of experiment for detection of parasites and description of blood cells respectively. Differential leucocytes count (DLC) also done. The parasite observed in blood during acute phase only. Leucocytosis due to marked lymphocytosis recognized in acute phase followed by leucopenia during chronic phase .The main changes in the erythrocytes were the presence of macrocytes, Howell-Jolly bodies, target cells, stomatocytes, Burr cells, and a significant platelets deficiency (Thrombocytopenia) was observed. Liver slices reveals fatty degeneration, hepatic necrosis and inflammatory reaction extends through liver parenchyma. The results compared with the results of the other seven rabbits (control group).